Compensatory renal hypertrophy in reflux nephropathy presenting as hypertensive emergency

Abstract

Hypertensive emergency in the paediatric population is not uncommon. However, due to its numerous etiologies, care should be taken in determining the approach of management. We report a case of a child who presented with double vision, giddiness and elevated blood pressure. Blood investigations were normal. Renal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen were performed which both showed findings suspicious of a large heterogeneous mass at the lower pole of the left kidney with dysplastic right kidney. A final diagnosis of bilateral vesicoureteric reflux with left compensatory hypertrophy was made based upon micturating cystourethrography findings and was later confirmed by 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) study. The objective of this case is to share the importance of the appropriate choice of radiological examinations, not only in achieving an accurate diagnosis but to ensure that unnecessary investigations are avoided.