Acute renal failure after low-dose irradiation. A complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

A middle-aged woman received low-dose irradiation for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 1,000 rads to the spleen in four sessions over four days and 400 rads to each abdominal quadrant in eight sessions over eight days. Three days after the last irradiation session, acute hyperuricemic renal failure developed and conservative treatment was begun, with use of hydration, forced diuresis, alkalization, and short-term peritoneal dialysis. Uric acid levels were carefully monitored. Renal function promptly returned to normal.