Acute Bilateral Obstructive Uropathy

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Diagnosis & Tests

Examination by touch (palpation) shows enlarged and tender kidneys. Palpation over the bladder shows bladder distention. Placement of a catheter in the bladder may relieve the lack of urine output. Post-void residuals (catheterized measurement of the volume of urine that remains in the bladder after urinating) are repeatedly more than 50 mL. Rectal examination usually shows an enlarged prostate in men. Blood pressure may be elevated. There may be signs and symptoms of acute renal failure. Fever with infection is common.

• A urinalysis may be abnormal.
• A clean catch urine specimen may show infection within the urinary tract.
• Serum creatinine may increase suddenly, by 2 mg/dL or more over a two-week period.
• Creatinine clearance may be decreased.
• Blood BUN may increase suddenly.
• A blood potassium test may be elevated.
• Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries may show metabolic acidosis.

• IVP
• Renal scan
• Ultrasound of the kidneys
• Abdominal CT scan

• Radionuclide cystogram
• Creatinine - urine