Thorotrast-induced bilateral carcinoma of the kidney

A case of transitional cell carcinoma in the left kidney 25 years after urinary tract investigations, and squamous cell carcinoma in the right kidney 6 years later is described. Thorotrast was identified in the kidneys and in the reticulo-endothelial system post mortem and was presumably the contrast material used for the original retrograde pyelogram. When retained in the kidneys after retrograde pyelography Thorotrast produces a characteristic radiological and histological appearance and can be identified by the spectrum of radiation which it emits. The authors believe that this report of bilateral renal carcinomas related to Thorotrast is unique.