What is the most frequent cause of hyperaldosteronism in adults?

The most frequent cause of hyperaldosteronism in adults is adrenal adenoma, also known as Conn's syndrome. This condition arises from a benign tumor of the adrenal cortex, leading to overproduction of aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium levels in the body. The excess aldosterone results in increased sodium retention, increased water retention, and consequently hypertension due to increased blood volume and peripheral resistance.

Adrenal adenomas are the most common identifiable cause of primary hyperaldosteronism and represent about 30-70% of cases in adults. The clarity of diagnosis and the prevalence of adrenal adenomas make them a key area of focus when considering causes of hyperaldosteronism.

In contrast, adrenal hemorrhage, while it can lead to various adrenal crisis scenarios, is an uncommon specific cause of hyperaldosteronism. Hypothalamic dysfunction typically does not directly influence aldosterone secretion in primary hyperaldosteronism, as this condition stems from adrenal gland pathology rather than hypothalamic control. Primary adrenal hyperplasia, although it can result in excess aldosterone, is less common than the singular adrenal adenoma encountered in most cases.