Unilateral renal ischaemia due to compression of a renal artery by a phaeochromocytoma

Two cases are reported of an extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma situated at the hilum of the kidney which compressed the main renal artery giving rise to ischaemia and shrinkage of the kidney, associated with severe hypertension. The close proximity of the tumour to the renal artery and vein necessitated removal of both tumour and kidney which was followed by a striking fall in blood pressure to hypotensive levels. In one case hypokalaemic alkalosis was present, associated with hyperaldosteronism, which was corrected following operation without further treatment.