The Long-term Effect of SAAE and Medical Treatment for Primary Aldosteronism

The Long-term Effect of Superselective Adrenal Arterial Embolization and Medical Treatment for Primary Aldosteronism on Cardiorenovascular Protection, Blood Pressure, and the Endocrinological Profile.

In this prospective controlled trial, we aim to determine whether superselective adrenal artery embolization is superior to medical treatment for patients with PA who refuse surgery for medication. Patients age 18 to 75 years with hypertension will be screened for the presence of PA according to Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Patients with confirmed PA are counseled on the treatment option, including adrenalectomy. Those who opt to enroll in the study choice either SAAE or spironolactone (20-60mg daily) therapy (medical group). In both groups, if office blood pressure exceeds 140/90mmHg, amlodipine and terazosin will sequentially be added to the initial therapy form month 1 to year 3. The primary endpoint is the change in blood pressure, and the secondary end point is the change in biochemical outcomes. The Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome criteria are used to classify clinical and biochemical outcomes as complete, partial, or absent success.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the main cause of secondary hypertension, affecting 5%-15% of the general hypertensive population. Early diagnosis and treatment are of crucial importance because patients with PA are more susceptible to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than primary hypertensive patients. Traditional treatments such as medication with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and adrenalectomy have some limitations. Over the past decade, superselective adrenal artery embolization (SAAE) has been used to treat PA, but their efficacies have not been compared with medication-controlled studies. Recent study found that SAAE is an effective and safe treatment for patients with PA. In this prospective controlled trial, we aim to determine whether this procedure is superior to medical treatment for patients with PA who refuse surgery for medication.

Patients age 18 to 75 years with hypertension will be screened for the presence of PA according to Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Adrenal computed tomography will be performed in all patients. Patients willing to participate in the study also will undergo adrenal venous sampling (AVS) Serum aldosterone and renin levels are measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Patients with confirmed PA are counseled on the treatment option, including adrenalectomy. Those who opt to enroll in the study choice either SAAE or spironolactone (20-60mg daily) therapy (medical group). In both groups, if office blood pressure exceeds 140/90mmHg, amlodipine and terazosin will sequentially be added to the initial therapy form month 1 to year 3. The primary endpoint is the change in blood pressure, and the secondary end point is the change in biochemical outcomes. The Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome Criteria are used to classify clinical and biochemical outcomes as complete, partial, or absent success.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of PA
• They refused medication treatment due to intolerance of side effects
• They had lateralization by adrenal venous sampling (AVS), and refused the adrenalectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of serious contrast agent allergy
• Complication with severe liver diseases
• History of myocardial infarction and stent implantation within the past 3 months
• Renal insufficiency, with serum creatinine >176 umo/L
• Pregnancy or lactation
• History of participation in another clinical trial in the past 3 months
• Any serious comorbidity