Adrenal Venous Sampling

Selective blood sampling from adrenal veins to localize aldosterone excess source.

Hypertension Treatments

Adrenal Venous Sampling

Synonyms : adrenal vein catheterization, selective aldosterone sampling

Background

Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn adenoma vs bilateral hyperplasia). Sampling determines if aldosterone excess is unilateral (→surgery) or bilateral (→medical).

Procedure

Under local anesthesia, catheters guided via femoral vein to both adrenal veins. Simultaneous blood sampling. Right adrenal vein technically challenging. Duration: 30-60 minutes.

Risks

Adrenal vein rupture, adrenal hematoma, catheterization failure (especially right).

Recovery

Same-day discharge. Results in a few days.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).