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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
Compensatory renal hypertrophy in reflux nephropathy presenting as hypertensive emergency
Suria Emilia Suhana Othman Tan1, Siti Dayana Mohamad2, Muhamad Zabidi Ahmad1
1Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
Insights
Pediatric hypertensive emergency requires careful diagnosis. This case highlights how specific radiological exams, like DMSA scans, are crucial for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary tests in children with elevated blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Hypertensive emergencies in children can stem from various causes, necessitating a tailored diagnostic approach.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital for effective management and preventing long-term complications.
Observation:
- A child presented with symptoms of hypertensive emergency, including double vision and giddiness, with elevated blood pressure.
- Initial blood work was unremarkable, prompting further investigation into potential renal pathology.
Findings:
- Renal ultrasound and MRI revealed a suspected left kidney mass and a dysplastic right kidney.
- Micturating cystourethrography and 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) studies confirmed bilateral vesicoureteric reflux with left compensatory hypertrophy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of selecting appropriate radiological examinations for diagnosing pediatric hypertensive emergencies.
- Strategic use of imaging can lead to accurate diagnoses while minimizing patient exposure to unnecessary procedures and associated costs.
Abstract:
Hypertensive emergency in the paediatric population is not uncommon. However, due to its numerous etiologies, care should be taken in determining the approach of management. We report a case of a child who presented with double vision, giddiness and elevated blood pressure. Blood investigations were normal. Renal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen were performed which both showed findings suspicious of a large heterogeneous mass at the lower pole of the left kidney with dysplastic right kidney. A final diagnosis of bilateral vesicoureteric reflux with left compensatory hypertrophy was made based upon micturating cystourethrography findings and was later confirmed by 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) study. The objective of this case is to share the importance of the appropriate choice of radiological examinations, not only in achieving an accurate diagnosis but to ensure that unnecessary investigations are avoided.
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