Conn’s syndrome is characterized by all except?
**Core Concept**
Conn's syndrome, also known as primary aldosteronism, is a condition characterized by excessive production of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This leads to hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis due to the sodium-retaining and potassium-losing effects of aldosterone.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The excessive production of aldosterone in Conn's syndrome is typically due to a benign adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia of the adrenal gland's zona glomerulosa. The increased aldosterone levels lead to increased sodium reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidneys, resulting in water retention and hypertension. Additionally, the increased aldosterone levels cause potassium excretion, resulting in hypokalemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option may be incorrect as it is not a characteristic of Conn's syndrome. However, the question stem is incomplete, so this cannot be confirmed.
**Option B:**
This option may be incorrect as it is not a characteristic of Conn's syndrome. However, the question stem is incomplete, so this cannot be confirmed.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect as it is a characteristic of Conn's syndrome. Conn's syndrome is indeed characterized by hypertension.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical feature of Conn's syndrome is the presence of hypokalemia, which can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias. It is essential to diagnose and treat Conn's syndrome promptly to prevent these complications.
**Correct Answer:**
This answer cannot be determined due to the incomplete question stem.