Hyperreninemia and secondary hyperaldosteronism in pheochromocytomas.

Foremost in the differential diagnosis of hypertension is the identification of surgically correctable lesions. Increased plasma renin activity in a hypertensive patient suggests the presence of a renovascular or renal etiology. We have recently seen two adolescent patients whose hyperreninemia was cuased by a pheochromocytoma. Secondary hyperaldosteronism was an associated finding.