The unexpected pheochromocytoma

We have presented the case history of a patient with unilateral pyelonephritis and elevated peripheral venous renin, an obvious cause of renal hypertension. However, a complete evaluation revealed pheochromocytoma as the primary cause of the hypertension. It is assumed that the increase in renin is secondary to catecholamine stimulation. Since surgery or diagnostic procedures may be disastrous in a patient with unsuspected pheochromocytoma, we urge all physicians to make a special effort to detect the presence of a tumor in the hypertensive patient.