Clinicians typically use adrenal vein sampling to establish the subtype of primary aldosteronism, a common cause of hypertension . However, the invasive nature of the test restricts its use. A recent study has reported a non-invasive alternative— a type of CT scan that uses [ 11 C] metomidate — that can identify adrenocortical tumors, the underlying cause of primary aldosteronism 1 . Metomidate is a radioactive dye that tags enzymes involved in aldosterone synthesis.
Metomidate scan detects unilateral aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas following dexamethasone treatment. The scan can predict adrenalectomy outcomes, including reductions in aldosterone production and blood pressure, as accurately as standard adrenal vein sampling. When combined with a urine steroid test, it can also predict which patients can come off their hypertension medicine. The metomidate scan is a quick,…
