Perinephric abscess in patients with polycystic kidney disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis

5 patients with polycystic kidney disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis who developed perinephric abscesses are described. Gallium-67 scintigraphy was helpful in making a diagnosis in 2 of these patients. All 5 patients initially presented with urinary tract infections. Perinephric abscess became evident over a variable period of time (2--28 days) following completion of antibiotic therapy for their urinary tract infection. Gallium-67 scintigraphy appears useful in detecting this complication, and nephrectomy should be considered once the diagnosis is confirmed.