Summary

We report a case of pseudo-renal failure caused by urinary ascites due to spontaneous bladder rupture following transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TUR-BT). A 63-year-old man presented with 2 months of abdominal distension due to ascites. Laboratory findings showed elevated serum creatinine and hyperkalaemia. Peritoneal fluid urea, creatinine and potassium levels were greater than those in serum levels. CT scan showed partial wall thinning in the bladder wall, and cystography indicated fragility in the dome where the latest TUR-BT was performed. Pseudo-renal failure (laboratory abnormalities of acute kidney injury in the setting of normal kidney function) from urinary ascites and reverse intraperitoneal dialysis was diagnosed. Symptoms and laboratory abnormalities improved promptly with insertion of a urinary catheter. This report aims to increase recognition of urinary ascites when a patient with genitourinary surgical procedures or radiation therapy, or blunt abdominal trauma, presents with ascites and elevated creatinine simultaneously.