Primary aldosteronism (PA) is recognized as the most common cause of secondary hypertension, with a prevalence of approximately 10% among unselected hypertensive populations. Subtype diagnosis is crucial because unilateral primary aldosteronism can be treated by laparoscopic adrenalectomy or open surgery, which may result in a cure or significant improvement of blood pressure, thus decreases the incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular complications. Currently, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) serves as the gold standard for subtyping of PA. Given that the right adrenal vein is angled caudally in most patients, AVS via an antecubital approach was performed since January 2012 at the Fuwai Hospital. So far, there have been more than fifteen hospitals to have some experience on AVS via antecubital approach with investigators' helps. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of AVS via the antecubital approach.
Currently, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) serves as the gold standard for subtyping of PA. Right adrenal vein catheterization is often difficult due to unfavorable anatomy of the vein including small vein size, short length, caudal direction for the transfemoral approach, and rare drainage to the accessory hepatic vein. All of these factors limit the widespread use of this approach. Given that the right adrenal vein is angled caudally in most patients, AVS via an antecubital approach was performed since January 2012. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of AVS via the antecubital approach.