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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Intravascular Perfusion of Carbon Black Ink Allows Reliable Visualization of Cerebral Vessels
Published on: January 4, 2013
Black kidney sign: a new computed tomographic finding associated with the hypoperfusion complex in children
Onofrio A Catalano1, Marcello Napolitano, Angelo Vanzulli
1AO G Rummo, Beltiglio, 82010 BN, Italy. onofriocatalano@yahoo.it
Abstract:
The authors describe a new CT finding associated with the hypoperfusion complex in children: complete lack of enhancement of both kidneys without renal swelling, without subcapsular cortical rim enhancement, and without peripheral wedge-shaped areas of hypoattenuation. This "black kidney sign" was found in two severely injured children who died within a few hours after the CT examination. It may help to establish a diagnosis of severe hemodynamic instability and may be a negative prognostic factor.
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