Juxtaglomerular apparatus tumor: a rare but curable cause of secondary hypertension.

We have reported our experience at Duke University Medical Center with juxtaglomerular apparatus tumor, a rare but remediable cause of significant hypertension. Our three cases illustrate markedly different clinical courses and diagnostic difficulties. Results of the usual diagnostic studies, including intravenous pyelogram and renal angiogram with selective renal vein renin assessment, may be normal, but abdominal CT with contrast can show even small lesions. Thus we propose the addition of CT in evaluating all cases of high-renin hypertension when renal artery stenosis has been excluded. Periodic reevaluation of these patients is mandatory to increase diagnostic accuracy and avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Local resection, rather than total nephrectomy, should be considered because the tumors have low invasive potential.