Aldosteronism is caused by hypersecretion of the adrenal mineralocorticoid aldosterone. Primary hyperaldosteronism refers to an adrenal cause and can be due to either an adrenal adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Rare causes include glucocorticoid-remediable hyperaldosteronism, some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other disorders of true or apparent mineralocorticoid excess (see Table 406-3, HPIM-19). The term secondary hyperaldosteronism is used when an extraadrenal stimulus for renin secretion is present, as in renal artery stenosis, decompensated liver cirrhosis, or diuretic therapy.