Juxtaglomerular cell tumor--a rare cause of secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension (SH) is much more common in children than in adults. We report a 17-year-old girl with severe hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Because of these findings, primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism was suspected. Her initial treatment with spironolactone and ACE inhibitor was unsuccessful. With consideration of high plasma renin activity, the renal computed tomography angiography was performed and showed tumor mass in the left kidney. An uncomplicated partial left nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination and electron microscopy showed typical features of juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JCT). Imunohistochemistry of tumor was positive for CD34 and CD117 and this finding is effective in the diagnosis of JCT if immunostain for renin is unavailable. After the resection of JCT, the patient's blood pressure and hypokalemia returned to normal range. JCT is a rare renal neoplasm and an unusual cause of SH in children or adolescents (Fig. 2, Ref. 12).