Computed tomographic diagnosis of renal infarction.

Two cases of renal infarcts diagnosed on CT scans are presented which demonstrate findings that should be identifiable and diagnostic to indicate renal infarction. The examination is more reliable and specific if it is performed after the administration of intravenous radiographic contrast material. The contrast can be given either by a bolus or an infusion injection. The findings after contrast-enhanced scan should be specific enough to identify the cause of the patient's symptoms. A percutaneous CT guided biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Appearance of renal infarction on computed tomography.

We have recently seen three cases of renal infarction secondary to occlusion of renal arteries. Two of these cases had similar clinical presentations and were not diagnosed until computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed (1). The third case was a serendipitous finding. The abnormal findings on CT led to angiography, which confirmed the CT findings in all cases. The CT appearance in those cases was diagnostic, whereas the changes on urography were minimal, if any. We believe that angiography and surgery may be obviated when cases exhibit these characteristic findings on CT.