CAUSES

Conn’s disease is caused by a tumor in the kidney, causing a condition specifically known as
hyperaldosteronism.

When both adrenal glands are producing too much aldosterone the condition is called bilateral
adrenal hyperplasia.

SYMPTOMS

Mild hypernatremia (high blood sodium), hypokalemia (low blood potassium) and hyperkaluria
(high urine potassium) contribute the following symptoms:

 Muscle weakness
 Frequent urination
 Nighttime urination
 Headache
 Excessive thirst
 Pins and needles sensation
 Visual disturbances
 Temporary paralysis
 Muscle twitching and crams

Vocabulary

Aldosterone: An adrenal hormone critical for salt (sodium) balance. Produced by the outer part of
the adrenal cortex, its action causes reabsorption of sodium and secretion of potassium and is
critical for the maintenance of blood pressure.

Adenoma: A benign (non-cancerous) tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue.

http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=13