Pseudo-renal failure associated with internal leakage of urine

Three patients with internal leakage of urine are described. As a result of urine resorption into the blood a condition developed resembling acute renal failure. Internal loss of urine is divided into intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal leakage and usually gives rise to oliguria and microscopic haematuria. In the intraperitoneal type increasing abdominal complaints and ascites will develop whereas in the extraperitoneal type regional oedema will become present without, in the case of sterile urine, abdominal complaints of importance. Important clues as to the diagnosis are the concentrations in serum and urine of urea, creatinine and sodium, and the demonstration of the leak by means of imaging techniques. Treatment of choice is a drainage procedure, for instance by a bladder catheter. In acute renal failure this pseudo form should be distinguished from the real thing.