A Benign Renal Tumor With Serious Consequences: A Case Report of Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumor and Chronic Renal Disease in a Teenager

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JGCT), or reninoma, is a rare benign renal neoplasm. It is characterized by severe hypertension and hypokalemia due to excessive renin produced from the juxtaglomerular apparatus on the afferent arteriole of the glomerulus. Herein, we report a case of JGCT in a 15-year-old female who presented with severe hypertension. She was found to have elevated levels of renin and aldosterone with hypokalemia and she responded to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). Abdominal MRI demonstrated a 4-cm left renal tumor. A radical nephrectomy was performed, and histology showed a well-circumscribed tumor consisting of sheets of polygonal to ovoid cells consistent with a JGCT. After surgery, the renin and aldosterone levels normalized, and blood pressure was controlled with small dose of ACEi medication. Unfortunately, the patient remained in Stage III chronic kidney failure due to the longstanding damage of uncontrolled hypertension prior to the diagnosis. We hereby review the literature and discuss the differential diagnosis.