Spontaneous rupture of the kidney secondary to polyarteritis nodosa

Spontaneous rupture of the kidney occurs rarely. Among the known causes polyarteritis nodosa is uncommon with less than 50 cases reported. Diagnosis is difficult to make with certainty. Our case concerns a 38-year-old man whose symptoms originally simulated acute renal colic. Nephrectomy was done. A brief review of the pertinent literature, diagnosis and management is presented.