Renal Hypertension Due to Hydronephrosis with Normal Plasma Renin Activity

Abstract

UNILATERAL hydronephrosis is not a frequent cause of renal hypertension. In a recent report by Belman et al.¹ an abdominal pregnancy resulted in unilateral ureteral obstruction and hypertension. Elevated plasma renin levels were demonstrated in the renal vein of the hydronephrotic kidney. After corrective ureteral surgery hypertension was resolved, with subsequent return of renin levels to normal. We have recently managed a young hypertensive azotemic patient with hydronephrosis of a solitary kidney. Surgical revision of the obstructive ureteropelvic junction returned renal function and blood pressure to normal levels. Despite the apparent relation of hypertension to hydronephrosis in this case, preoperative . . .