What is the Origin of Adrenal Vein Sampling?

The term combines "adrenal," referring to the glands situated atop the kidneys, "vein," indicating the blood vessels being accessed, and "sampling," the act of collecting blood for analysis. Its clinical application arose from the need to accurately localize the cause of autonomous aldosterone secretion for targeted surgical intervention. This method is crucial for guiding therapeutic strategy, differentiating between an adenoma and bilateral hyperplasia.

What is the Mechanism of Adrenal Vein Sampling?

The procedure involves threading a catheter through a peripheral vein, typically in the groin, up to the left and right adrenal veins, and the inferior vena cava. Blood samples are simultaneously drawn from each adrenal vein and a peripheral vein to measure aldosterone and cortisol levels. Cortisol is measured as a marker of successful catheter placement, and the resulting hormone ratios are used to calculate the Lateralization Index, pinpointing the unilateral source of the hormonal excess.

Adrenal Vein Sampling ∞ Area

Adrenal Vein Sampling

Meaning

Adrenal Vein Sampling (AVS) is an invasive diagnostic procedure utilized in endocrinology to determine the source of aldosterone overproduction in patients with Primary Aldosteronism. This technique involves catheterizing the veins draining the adrenal glands to measure hormone concentrations directly. AVS is considered the gold standard for distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral forms of the condition.