Gallium-67 scanning and conservative treatment in acute inflammatory lesions of the renal cortex

Three cases of suspected acute suppurative lesions of the renal cortex treated successfully with antimicrobial agents are presented. In support of other reports it appears that selected cases, particularly when diagnosed early, may be managed conservatively without surgical drainage. In those cases of severe sepsis, large intrarenal or perinephric abscesses, resistant organisms or those that are refractory to treatment, surgical intervention may be unavoidable. Gallium-67 nuclear scanning is a safe, non-invasive method of locating rapidly these areas of inflammation and has proved to be a useful tool in earlier diagnosis.