ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) for primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods Serum aldosteronos ( ALD ) and plasma renin activities (PRA)among 44 subjects with primary aldosteronism, 9 subjects with phecchromocytoma, 8 subjects with nonfunctional adrenal tumors, 12 subjects with Cushing syndrome, 4 subjects with stenosis of renal artery and 13 subjects with primary hypertension were retrospectively reviewed. ARR was calculated. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for every index were used to evaluate diagnostic value. Results The area under the curve(AUC) in the ROC curve of ALD in a supine position was 0. 947, the cut-off value of diagnosis of PA. The AUC for the ROC curve of ALD in upright position was 0. 889, the cut-off value of ALD diagnosis of PA. The AUC for the ROC curve of ARR in a supine position was 0. 978, the cut-off value of diagnosis of PA. The AUC for the ROC curve of ARR in upright position was 0. 981, the cut-off value of specificity. If ARR was combined with ALD in upright position was used, the diagnostic value was better than either index. When ALD > 275 ng/L and the AUC for the ROC curve in upright position was 0. 989,specificity. Conclusions The diagnostic value of ARR in diagnosis of primary aldosteronism is higher than ALD and PRA. ARR in upright position is better than that in supine position, especially when combined with ALD > 275 ng/L in upright position.