Hypertension in a patient with medullary sponge kidney: A case report

Abstract

Rationale:Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a congenital renal disorder characterized by recurrent nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis. Recently, it has been found that MSK can be also combined with other diseases, such as primary aldosteronism and Beckwith-Wiedemann, but whether it is associated with secondary hypertension remains unknown.Patient concerns:A 22-year-old hypertensive female presented to our hospital characterized by hypokalemia and hypertension.Diagnosis:The laboratory examination showed secondary aldosteronism. And the common causes for secondary aldosteronism include renal artery stenosis, glomerulonephritis, lupus nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy, all of which were excluded except MSK.Interventions:She was treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.Outcomes:Her blood pressure, serum potassium, and plasma renin levels were reversed after treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.Lessons:We presumed that MSK may be associated with secondary hypertension, and the mechanism may be the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.