The Roentgenographic Findings in Acute Pyelonephritis

ACUTE pyelonephritis is a common disease the clinical signs and symptoms of which have been well known for many years. The roentgenographic findings, however, have been emphasized only relatively recently.^1-5 In two large series of acute pyelonephritis, about one fourth of the patients had abnormalities on the excretory urogram.^2,3 We believe that the high incidence of urologic abnormalities justifies a review of the roentgenographic findings in light of the limited information now available on the subject.

Roentgenographic Findings 

Ileus of the Ureter.—  Gram-negative bacilli have the ability to impede or stop ureteral peristalsis.⁶ Since most urinary tract infections are due to Escherichia coli,⁷ it is not surprising that ileus of the ureter may be seen with acute pyelonephritis. Although the entire collecting system may be dilated, mimicking obstruction,¹ it is our experience that involvement is usually of the proximal portion of the infected ureter. This