The Extrarenal Manifestations of Hypernephroma

The extrarenal manifestations of hypernephroma in 34 medical patients are described, and the literature on this subject is reviewed. One case presented with hematuria and 11 other cases with metastases. Presentation was not obviously related to metastases in 22 patients. Eight were first seen because of fever or general weakness. Vascular disturbances in six included hypertension, thrombophlebitis, inferior vena caval obstruction and varicocele. Four patients had gastrointestinal complaints; one had hypercalcemia and another musculoskeletal symptoms. Two cases had neurological syndromes, one of which proved to be due to metastases. The overall incidence of systemic features was greater and included anemia, eosinophilia, a leukemoid reaction and thrombocytosis. Polycythemia, amyloidosis and hyponatremia were not encountered. Urographic procedures were performed in half of the patients, most of whom had an abdominal mass. Calcium was visible radiologically in the tumour in five cases. The diagnosis was not made in 19 and was an unexpected finding at autopsy in 10. Appreciation of the extrarenal manifestations of hypernephroma might lead to earlier diagnosis.     

Incidence of Uraemia and Requirements for Maintenance Haemodialysis

The biochemistry laboratory records of a 400-bed general hospital serving a population of about 120,000 showed that during the three-year period 1966-8 inclusive 487 patients had at some stage during their admission a blood urea of 100 mg/100 ml or more. Ninety per cent. were aged 50 or over, 79% were 60 or over, and 52% were 70 or over.The case notes of all patients with renal failure admitted during 1966 and 1967 were examined together with those of patients under 60 admitted during 1968. Three observers agreed about the most likely cause of the renal failure in 90% of patients whose case notes were available, or 74% of the total. The raised blood urea was thought to be due to “prerenal” factors in 60% of the patients, to acute tubular necrosis in 80%, to obstructive uropathy in 12%, and to “intrinsic” renal disease in 20%. Renal failure precipitated by such factors as cardiac failure, chest infections, cerebrovascular accidents, and shock was particularly common in old people.The hospital survey and replies to a questionnaire sent to all general practitioners in the area suggest that in the three-year period 14 patients may have been suitable for treatment by maintenance haemodialysis or renal transplantation. This represents a rate of about 39 per million per year under the age of 60 and 28 per million per year under 50.