Rare and curable renin-mediated hypertension: a series of six cases and a literature review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reninoma is an extremely rare renal tumor characterized by excessive renin secretion causing secondary hypertension and hypokalemia. Reninoma is a benign and highly manageable lesion if it is discovered early and removed surgically. METHODS: We report six cases of reninoma and provide a literature review on this rare disease, highlighting the diagnostic evaluation and follow-up of each patient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Reninoma should be considered in young adults with elevated renin activity and refractory hypertension. Imaging studies and selective venous catheterization are often helpful in identifying the lesion. In most cases of reninoma presenting with renin-mediated hypertension, conservative surgical treatment should be considered to remove the small, superficial lesion.