Cardial decompensation caused by hypertension and polyglobulia associated with multiple renal oncocytomas

A 43 year old man was referred to the Internal Department for the examination of cardial decompensation, hypertension, polyglobulia and atrophy blanche of the lower legs. Clinical and supersonic examination revealed two tumors in the left kidney (diameter 8 and 3.5 cm) and some small tumors in the right kidney. Laboratory studies disclosed erythropoietin levels up to 170 mU/ml (standard 14-61 mU/ml) and a red blood cell count of up to 8 X 10(6)/ml. After recompensation, a radical left nephrectomy and the removal of three small tumors of the right kidney four weeks later was initiated. Postoperative erythropoietin levels and red blood cell count sank to the normal range leading to the reduction of antihypertensive therapy. The clinical course indicates a strong etiological connection between hypertension as well as polyglobulia with the multiple bilateral oncocytomas. Polycythemia also led to the atrophy blanche which had resulted from disturbances of microcirculation.