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Introduction to the Primary Aldosteronism Center of National Taiwan University Hospital (PAC-NTUH)

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The Primary Aldosteronism Center at National Taiwan University Hospital serves as a dedicated hub for patients with suspected primary aldosteronism to seek specialized care and consultation. The center is equipped with a team of experts well-versed in diagnosing and managing primary aldosteronism, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

 

The center follows a systematic approach to confirm the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism in individuals who show symptoms indicative of the condition. Through rigorous screening and testing, including the administration of clinical standards such as saline infusion and captopril challenge tests, potential cases of primary aldosteronism are carefully evaluated. Additionally, the center arranges for tests to exclude subclinical acute Cushing's syndrome (ACS) to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

 

Coordinating various medical procedures is an essential aspect of the center's services. This includes arranging adrenal venous sampling (AVS) examinations in collaboration with the Department of Radiology and planning the required medication adjustments before the procedure. Moreover, the center facilitates nuclear medicine department procedures, such as NP59 scanning, while coordinating appropriate medication modifications beforehand.

 

The center also takes into account the overall health of patients, beyond the primary aldosteronism diagnosis. To this end, it collaborates with other specialties to arrange essential consultations and examinations related to conditions like sleep apnea, cardiovascular function, and psychological well-being.

 

In cases where a diagnosis confirms unilateral primary aldosteronism or identifies clear surgical superiority over conservative approaches, the center takes the initiative to arrange consultations with the urology department and coordinate referrals for adrenal surgery. Furthermore, the center ensures continuous post-operative follow-up care.

 

To provide comprehensive assessments, the center integrates relevant tests conducted by the Hypertension Research Laboratory, such as plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) planning. Additionally, the center conducts genetic testing for patients with glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA) and CYP11B2 mutations, collaborating with the Department of Medical Genetics to produce formal reports.

 

The PAC-NTUH is committed to delivering specialized and individualized care, making strides in the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism while actively contributing to scientific research in the field.