Interpretation on the international consensus of the pathological diagnosis of unilateral primary aldosteronism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) is a common form of PA that is surgically curable by adrenalectomy of the overactive gland. Pathological evaluation of resected adrenals is crucial in the diagnosis of UPA, and its subsequent treatment and follow-up as well. Histomorphological evaluation is the basis for the pathological diagnosis of UPA, and the wide use of aldosterone synthase immunohistochemical staining in recent years has greatly improved the pathological diagnosis of UPA. However, there is a lack of standardized nomenclature and diagnostic criteria. Therefore, consensus on the histopathologic diagnosis of UPA were developed by an international group of pathologists led by Tracy Ann Williams, and published in J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2021. This article will elaborates on the key points in the consensus to advance the understanding and overall improve clinical mangement of UPA.