Abstract

Background: Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is one of the most common forms of secondary hypertension, and accounts for nearly 1% of all hypertension cases. It is characterized by compromised renal perfusion pressure, resultant renin secretion, and hypokalemia due to secondary hyperaldosteronism. Arteriosclerosis is a common underlying pathogenesis in middle-aged and older adults, whilst fibromuscular dysplasia is occasionally seen in younger patients with RVH. Since cardiovascular complications are of grave concern in RVH, early detection and appropriate therapeutic intervention are particularly important. Here, we report a case of renovascular hypertension from fibromuscular dysplasia which was incidentally unveiled during close examination of an adrenal tumor. Case report: A 55-year-old woman was being treated for hypertension by her primary care physician. She was referred to our hospital for a thorough examination of her right ureteral stone, which necessitated a CT scan incidentally revealing an left adrenal nodule measuring 8 mm in size. Primary aldosteronism was unlikely based on the lack of renin suppression (active renin concentration, 36.5 pg/mL; plasma aldosterone levels, 263 pg/mL and aldosterone-renin ratio < 40 under treatment with nifedipine 40 mg/day. Ultrasound of the kidney demonstrated a notable difference in size between the right and left kidneys of 87 mm and 106 mm, respectively, albeit Renal Artery Doppler failed to suggest the renal artery stenosis. CT scan with contrast material revealed the remarkable irregularity and “string on beads” sign on the distal main trunk of the right renal artery. Renovascular hypertension from fibromyalgia dysplasia was suspected, and percutaneous renal artery angioplasty was performed. After the pressure gradient across the stenotic lesion (105/99 mmHg on the distal side and 125/67 mmHg on the proximal side of the renal artery) was verified, balloon dilation was applied. The procedure was successful as the pressure gradient virtually resolved (105/95 mmHg on the distal side and 109/101 mmHg on the proximal side of the renal artery). Digital subtraction angiography indeed reaffirmed improvement in blood flow. Conclusion: Renovascular hypertension can go unnoticed solely based on renal Doppler Ultrasound. This was a case in which renovascular hypertension from fibromuscular dysplasia was incidentally identified in CT scan designated as a work-up for an adrenal tumor.

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