Non-function in nephroblastoma (Wilms's tumour): a report on the excretory urography of nine cases

Non-function of a kidney invaded by nephroblastoma has not been extensively documented and may be featured only when a relatively large series is reviewed. It occurred in nine (15.5%) of 58 cases seen over an eight year period. Two of these nine cases had bilateral involvement and one showed curvilinear calcification. The mechanism of non-function appears to be due to replacement of most of the kidney substance by tumour, and this may be augmented by invasion of the renal pelvis causing malignant hydronephrosis. Ultrasonography has become increasingly utilised in confirming the diagnosis of renal tumours, but arteriography may still be the critical examination in the 'unusual' case.