Effectiveness of Thermal Ablation for Aldosterone-Producing Adrenal Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Biochemical Parameters

Abstract Purpose To assess the effectiveness of thermal ablation for aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma. Materials and Methods A systematic search of the PubMed and CINAHL databases was performed to identify studies of thermal ablation for adrenal adenomas. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to compare pre- and post-treatment values of the following outcomes: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), use of antihypertensive medications, and biochemical parameters (plasma aldosterone levels, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, and potassium levels). The rate of hypertension (HTN) resolution and improvement were also evaluated. Results A total of 89 patients from 7 studies were included in the analysis. The mean postablation follow-up duration was 45.8 months. Pooled data analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in SBP (−29.06 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −33.93 to −24.19), DBP (−16.03 mm Hg; 95% CI, −18.33 to −13.73), and the number of antihypertensive medications used (−1.43; 95% CI, −1.97 to −0.89) after ablation. Biochemical parameters had returned to normal ranges after ablation in all studies. The cumulative rate of resolution or improvement in HTN status was 75.3%. On metaregression analysis, there was no statistically significant association between postablation blood pressure changes or serum aldosterone levels and study follow-up duration. Conclusions Thermal ablation for aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma can be effective in controlling blood pressure, reducing the need for antihypertensive medications, and normalizing hormone secretion. Further higher-quality evidence is needed to confirm these results.