[A renocolic fistula diagnosed by retrograde pyelography].

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of renocolic fistula diagnosed by retrograde pyelography.

METHODS

A case of renocolic fistula associated with pyonephrosis and left pleural empyema in a 48-year-old female with a history of recurrent pyelonephritis is presented.

RESULTS

The ultrasound findings were suggestive of pyonephrosis and an excretory urogram showed a non-functioning left kidney. Retrograde pyelography showed passage of contrast medium into the descending colon. Surgical treatment consisted of nephrectomy, exteriorization of the compromised colon and pleurotomy. The patient died from septic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of retrograde pyelography in the diagnosis of renocolic fistula is demonstrated in the case described herein.