Hygroma renale: pararenal lymphatic cysts associated with renin-dependent hypertension (Page kidney). Case report on bilateral cysts and successful therapy by marsupialization.

A total of 42 cases of large symptomatic parapelvic or pararenal lymphatic cysts has been reported since 1890, of which 54% were associated with hypertension and 14% were bilateral. We report on a patient in whom during a 3-month period abdominal pain and distention developed successively on both sides associated with hypertension. Initially, ultrasound and computerized tomography revealed a large multicystic pararenal lymphatic mass on the right side and small parapelvic hilus lesions on the left side. Two months after resection and marsupialization of the large cyst on the right side the small hilus lesions on the left side developed into large pararenal cysts requiring the same therapeutic measures. Hypertension was reversible after surgery in both instances; at the second operation high preoperative and lower postoperative renin activity, active renin, total renin, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic factor in plasma were noted. Immunoreactive active and total renin levels in the lymph fluid were elevated, a finding that may be explained by the renal origin of the lymph. Marsupialization is a kidney preserving measure that reverses all symptoms of large pararenal cysts, including Page kidney hypertension.