Ps-bpc08-6: clinical and biochemical outcomes of patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma after radiofrequency ablation therapy at keio university hospital: 2022 report

Objectives: Total adrenalectomy of an affected adrenal gland is the standard therapy of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), a curable subtype of primary aldosteronism. However, the APA is occasionally inoperable in cases with bilateral adenomas or high-risk patients under general anesthesia. Computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the adrenal gland is a less invasive, cortical-sparing therapy, and may become a treatment of choice for such cases. A multicenter clinical trial of RFA was conducted in patients with APA in Japan from 2015 to 2016. To establish its long-term efficacy and safety, the study subjects enrolled in Keio University Hospital have been annually followed up. Following the progress report at ISH 2018, here we update clinical and biochemical outcomes of this cohort of patients 6 years after the RFA treatment. Methods: Follow-up medical interviews, blood pressure measurements, blood tests, and urinalysis were done annually. In addition, at least one CT scan was performed since 2018. Data on antihypertensive medication, blood pressure, hormone and electrolyte levels, urinary albumin, and tumor size were collected and analyzed. Results: 10 cases of APA were treated with RFA between June 2015 and March 2016. As of April 2022, 6 cases were successfully followed up. Of these patients, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) remained normalized in 5 cases (83%), albeit above the upper limit in 1 case (17%). In this particular patient, serum potassium level remained normalized and antihypertensive medication was not needed. Antihypertensive medication was needed in 1 case (17%), while urinary albumin levels were improved in all cases. Of note, follow-up CT scan showed that the tumor was undetectable in 1 case (17%), reduced in size in 3 cases (50%) and unchanged in 2 cases (33%). None of the cases have developed adrenal insufficiency since the RFA. Conclusion: The follow-up study on APA patients 6-year after the RFA revealed no cases of recurrence. RFA is likely to be effective and safe in patients with APA.