Radiation nephritis

1.1. The experimental aspects of the effect of radiation on the kidneys are briefly reviewed. A summary of the reported cases of radiation nephritis in the literature is presented and the typical clinical syndrome is summarized. 2.2. Three cases of radiation nephritis in which the patients survived are reported. Two adults were studied by means of renal needle biopsy. The third case was a child in whom nephrectomy was performed when a non-functioning left kidney and hypertension developed following massive radiation. 3.3. The pathologic study of end-stage radiation damage to the kidney is reviewed and the earlier, more mild changes are described. 4.4. It is suggested that the apparent rarity of this syndrome is due to a lack of awareness of its existence by the clinician and roentgenologist. It is important to establish the true incidence of this hazard of radiation therapy in order that steps may be taken to prevent its occurrence.