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Giant hydronephrosis presenting as an acute abdomen
Casey A Grover1, Jonathan G Crisp
1David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Giant hydronephrosis, a rare condition causing kidney swelling, can lead to severe abdominal pain. Prompt diagnosis and drainage are crucial for managing this obstructive uropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Giant hydronephrosis is an uncommon condition characterized by significant dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces.
- It typically results from obstruction within the renal collecting system, leading to varied abdominal symptoms.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Physical examination revealed an acute abdomen.
- Computed tomography (CT) identified left-sided giant hydronephrosis secondary to an obstructing renal calculus.
Findings:
- The patient underwent percutaneous nephrostomy, successfully draining over 7 liters of fluid.
- This intervention relieved the distension of the collecting system.
Implications:
- Giant hydronephrosis is a critical differential diagnosis for abdominal pain, especially in patients with risk factors.
- Early recognition and intervention are vital for preventing complications associated with severe renal obstruction.
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