[Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage]. / Hemorragia retroperitoneal espontánea.

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage is analyzed and the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed. METHODS/RESULTS: Two cases of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage from a ruptured adenocarcinoma of the kidney are reported. Both patients presented the characteristic Lenk's triad. Definitive diagnosis was made on the CT findings and treatment was by nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of retroperitoneal hemorrhage arising from the kidney is a tumor. Treatment is based on the underlying cause of the underlying cause of the hemorrhage and the patient's hemodynamic status.