Acute renal failure, contrast media, and computer tomography.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is recognized as a potential hazard of intravenous administration of radiologic contrast media (RCM). We present a case of contrast-induced ARF which was first detected on an unenhanced computed tomographic examination of the abdomen. A number of postulated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ARF are discussed. Multiple factors are associated with an increased probability of ARF when contrast material is given intravenously. The significance of advanced age as a risk factor is discussed. Certain predisposing circumstances are amenable to correction by the radiologist, thereby diminishing the chance of causing contrast-induced ARF.

Diagnosis of a ruptured deep femoral artery aneurysm--a case report.

Deep femoral artery aneurysms are rarely atherosclerotic in origin and infrequently rupture. A case of spontaneous rupture of an isolated deep femoral atherosclerotic aneurysm is presented. The computed tomographic, angiographic, and clinical findings are discussed. These findings allowed preoperative diagnosis of this lesion.

Retroperitoneal malignant fibrous histiocytoma: the angiographic and computed tomographic features of an unusual tumor.

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas are uncommon retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors. We report a case of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the retroperitoneum that was anmgiographically hypervascular and indistinguishable from renal cell carcinoma. Computerized tomography of the abdomen demonstrated extensive psoas muscle infiltration by tumor. This feature may be useful in differentiating a renal cell carcinoma from a primary retroperitoneal sarcoma.