Diagnostic strategy in evaluation of renal abscess

The diagnosis of renal abscess is still a challenging problem. Early manifestations are usually nonspecific and nonlocalizing. Clinical picture, laboratory data, and intravenous pyelogram do not always differentiate between inflammatory lesions and neoplastic processes. Two cases with bilateral, metachronous renal abscesses are presented. The use of 111Indium scan is probably the major recent advance used for unmasking this inflammatory lesion. Sonography, computerized tomography scan, and even arteriography are sometimes necessary to establish reliable preoperative diagnosis. The diagnostic strategy for a systematic approach to the lesion is outlined.