Compression of the left renal artery by the diaphragm

Investigation of hypertension in a 21 year old man detected the presence of stenosis of the left renal artery. The arteriographic appearance of this stenosis, associated with the presence of stenosis of the celiac trunk of identical morphology, was suggestive of extrinsic pressure by the diaphragm and excluded endoluminal dilatation. Section of the left diaphragmatic crus released the renal artery and celiac trunk with complete recovery from the hypertension.