CT findings in postpartum renal cortical necrosis

A 34-year-old woman presented with postpartum renal cortical necrosis. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) of her kidneys showed a narrow subcapsular band of increased density that was separated from the medulla by a distinct band of decreased density. This is analogous to the decreased cortical nephrogram seen on arteriography. The CT scan may be a useful, non-invasive diagnostic procedure in renal cortical necrosis.