Giant hydronephrosis. Diagnostic aspect: a case report.

in this study, we have reported an unusual case of giant hydronephrosis of the right kidney diagnosed as a result of pain, and upon palpation the dete ction of an abdominal mass. An ultrasound examination also indicated the po ssible presence of a large abdominal liquid mass. The hydatic serology was negative. A complementary CT scan and retroperitoneal approach confirmed th e diagnosis of a right giant hydronephrosis with a liquid content of 8 lite rs, caused by stricture at the pyeloureteral junction with destruction of t he kidney. The liquid was drained off. Based on the findings in this case, the pathogenesis, diagnosis and investigation of giant hydronephrosis have been discussed. In the event of giant hydronephrosis with total destruction of the kidney following an anomaly at the pyeloureteral junction, nephrect omy has to be performed. in the presence of a retroperitoneal liquid mass a nd in the absence of other pathological signs, the diagnosis of a possible giant hydronephrosis should be taken into consideration. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.