Is primary hyperaldosteronism a risk factor for aortic dissection?

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a rare (< 1%) and underdiagnosed cause of secondary hypertension. We present a case of aortic dissection in a patient with primary hyperaldosteronism. To our knowledge, there are six other reported cases of aortic dissection in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Our case strengthens the hypothesis that primary hyperaldosteronism is a potential independent risk factor for aortic dissection. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG.