Persistent cardiac organ damage in surgically and medically treated primary aldosteronism

Abstract

Objective: We compared persistent cardiac organ damage in patients treated surgically or medically for primary aldosteronism.Methods: Eighty-four patients (age 57 AE 11 years, 27% women) with primary aldosteronism underwent echocardiography at time of diagnosis and after one year of treatment (49% adrenalectomy, 51% medical treatment). Persistent cardiac organ damage was defined as presence of left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy, low LV midwall shortening, global longitudinal strain and/or enlarged left atrium both at baseline and at follow-up.Results: At one year, a significant regression of LV hypertrophy was observed in surgically (44 vs. 22%, P ¼ 0.039), but not in medically treated patients (60 vs. 51%, P ¼ 0.206). The prevalence of enlarged left atrium was reduced in both groups (both P < 0.001), whereas systolic myocardial function remained unchanged. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, medical treatment [odds ratio (OR) 4.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-18.88)] was a strong predictor of persistent LV hypertrophy independent of higher BMI ] and presence of diabetes ), all P < 0.05]. Persistently low midwall shortening was associated with suppressed plasma renin after one year ] and lower renal function [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.99), both P < 0.05]. The strongest predictor of persistently low global longitudinal strain was higher HbA 1c [OR 2.37 (95% CI 1.12-5.02), P ¼ 0.024]. Conclusion:Persistent cardiac organ damage was more common in the medical treatment group and associated with incomplete aldosterone blockade, impaired renal function and presence of metabolic comorbidities.