Acute renal failure secondary to vascular occlusion by a retroperitoneal plasmacytoma.

A case of acute renal failure secondary to bilateral renal vein occlusion by a retroperitoneal plasmacytoma is described. The use of low-risk radiographic techniques including radionuclide venography and a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan made a rapid and accurate diagnosis possible. Fatal hemorrhage occurred following tumor erosion and perforation of the vena cava. In patients with multiple myeloma, and clinically apparent retroperitoneal tumor, vascular compromise should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute renal insufficiency.