The evaluation and management of spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage

In about two-thirds of all cases of non-traumatic spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage the etiology can be determined by common urologic diagnostic modialities. However, in the other third the etiology will remain obscure and exploration for diagnosis may become necessary. Because 50 per cent of these preoperatively undiagnosed cases have proved to be associated with small renal tumors primary nephrectomy should be considered strongly. An illustrative case is presented with a brief review of the literature to date.