Accurate lesion localisation facilitates nephron sparing surgery in reninoma patients: case report and discussion

Abstract

A 21-year-old female was referred with a suspected juxtaglomerular cell tumour (reninoma) in the superior pole of the left kidney. She underwent renal biopsy and renal vein sampling (RVS) to confirm the diagnosis. Following an uncomplicated laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, antihypertensive medications were ceased. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Reninoma is a rare but reversible cause of secondary hypertension and should be considered along with primary hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma when investigating hypertension in a young person. The subtle appearance of reninoma on imaging can necessitate other investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Definitive localisation is essential to prevent unnecessary loss of nephrons.

Keywords

• Reninoma
• Juxtaglomerular tumour
• Renal-vein sampling
• Nephron-sparing surgery
• Renal biopsy