Page kidney

Last revised by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad on 15 Mar 2024

Page kidney, or Page phenomenon, refers to systemic hypertension secondary to extrinsic compression of the kidney by a subcapsular collection, e.g. hematoma, seroma, or urinoma.

Patients present with hypertension, which may be recognized acutely after an inciting event or following a delay 3. In the acute setting, patients may complain of flank pain. Reduced renal function may be noted.

Compression of the kidney leads to compression of the intrarenal vessels, decreasing blood flow to the renal parenchymal tissue and inducing renin secretion. This activation of the renin-angiotensin system causes hypertension.

Patients usually have an inciting event that leads to the development of a subcapsular collection, such as trauma or surgery. In some cases, spontaneous rupture of a mass, aneurysm, or cyst can be responsible 3.

All modalities will demonstrate a collection surrounding the kidney of variable density/intensity/echogenicity, depending on its nature. The collection is usually subcapsular in location, maintaining a reniform contour. Importantly, however, the adjacent renal parenchyma should be distorted.

On Doppler evaluation, the renal arterial resistive index is elevated 4.

On contrast-enhanced examination, the affected kidney may demonstrate a delayed nephrogram.

This phenomenon was first described by Irvine Heinley Page (1901-1991) 5,6 in 1939 2 when he discovered that hypertension could be produced in a dog by wrapping one or both kidneys in cellophane. Dr Page was a renowned American cardiologist and is remembered for his research into hypertension, in particular his discovery of serotonin and his work on the renin-angiotensin system. 

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