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Living with Corticosterone 18-monooxygenase deficiency

A rare inherited condition in which the body cannot make enough aldosterone, a hormone that helps keep salt balance.

Understanding Corticosterone 18-monooxygenase deficiency

Corticosterone 18-monooxygenase deficiency (CMO deficiency) is a rare inherited condition in which the body cannot make enough of the hormone aldosterone.

It is caused by a problem with one of the last steps in making aldosterone. The result is low aldosterone and salt-wasting. There are two types, CMO I and CMO II, with overlapping features but different blood test results.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Its summary mentions low aldosterone and salt-wasting.

  • Low aldosterone
  • Salt-wasting

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is this CMO type I or type II?
Would CYP11B2 gene testing help our family?
Which hormone specialist should follow us, and how are salt levels monitored?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

It is caused by a defect in an enzyme made by the CYP11B2 gene. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: 18 alpha hydroxylase deficiency; 18 hydroxylase deficiency; 18-hydroxycorticosterone dehydrogenase deficiency; 18-hydroxylase deficiency; aldosterone deficiency 1; aldosterone deficiency due to 18-hydroxylase defect

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Corticosterone 18-monooxygenase deficiencyGARD ID 5660 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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