Connes Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Conn's syndrome is a fairly rare disease that is associated with excessive production of aldosterone in the adrenal glands. As a result of an increase in the level of this hormone, there are abnormalities in the functioning of the circulatory, excretory, muscular and nervous systems.

The disease was first described in 1955. At the time, the famous physician Conne investigated an unknown disease, which was accompanied by persistent hypertension and a drop in blood levels of potassium. Later such cases were described by doctors more than once. The disease was named after the first researcher - thus, in the reference books appeared the section "Kon's syndrome".

By the way, active research of this disease is still being conducted today, as well as searching for optimal methods of treatment and prevention.

Connie's disease and its causes

Unfortunately, the reasons for the development of such a disease can not always be determined. Nevertheless, the most common disruption of the adrenal gland is due to the adenoma of the glomerular zone of these organs. As a rule, these formations are benign, therefore easier to treat. It is worth noting that the syndrome is more often diagnosed among young people, especially among women.

The formation and proliferation of the tumor is accompanied by an increased synthesis of aldosterone. Such a disorder affects the condition of the whole organism. First, the mineral metabolism is disturbed, resulting in increased absorption of sodium in the renal tubules and the simultaneous excretion of potassium. Reducing the amount of potassium in the body affects negatively the state of the kidneys and the circulatory system.

Connes syndrome: symptoms of the disease

To date, doctors have identified three groups of major symptoms that are manifested by the renal, circulatory and muscular systems.

The most obvious sign of the disease is high blood pressure, which conventional means can not cope with hypertension. A persistent increase in pressure causes a lot of accompanying problems. Patients complain of dizziness and headaches, weakness, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there may be an attack of tetany or the development of flaccid paralysis. There are also pains in the heart, regular attacks of suffocation, shortness of breath even at the slightest physical exertion. In the most severe cases, coronary or ventricular failure develops. Sometimes hypertrophy of the left ventricle develops .

The increased pressure also affects the condition of the visual analyzer - the fundus changes, the edema of the optic nerve is observed , the visual acuity is reduced (up to complete blindness).

Connes syndrome, as a rule, is accompanied by an increase in the daily amount of excreted urine - sometimes this figure is 10 liters.

Conn's syndrome: diagnosis and treatment

In the presence of such problems with the state of health, it is best to seek medical help immediately. Diagnosis of the disease is a long process. Usually the patient must pass urine and blood tests. The doctor also checks the level of potassium and aldosterone in the blood, is used in diagnosis and computed tomography.

To date, the only way to treat is surgical intervention. During the operation, either the benign tumor itself or part of the adrenal cortex is removed.

In any case, after the operation, the patient should carefully monitor the diet, adhere to a healthy lifestyle and regularly undergo preventive examinations.