[Endocrine and neurogenic hypertension in childhood].

Endocrine and neurological diseases are rare causes of arterial hypertension in childhood. They represent less than 5% of all cases of secondary hypertension. Inflammatory, traumatic, and tumorous disorders of the central nervous system rarely result in chronic hypertension but may frequently be associated with acute hypertensive crisis. The most important hypertensinogenic endocrine diseases are the catecholamine producing tumors pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma and disorders of the adrenal cortex such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, 11-hydroxylase deficiency and other mineralocorticoid excess syndromes. Renin producing tumors, hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism are rare causes of hypertension in children. Neurogenic and endocrine forms of hypertension have contributed considerably to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of blood pressure regulation. They are of particular interest to the pediatrician since specific therapy may be available.