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The clinical histories of two patients are presented, who both developed haemorrhagic anuria after a short course of therapy with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide (Diamox). The clinical findings, in particular the radiological changes, are illustrated in this potentially fatal condition. The therapeutic success of immediate relief of the ureteric obstruction is emphasized and it is hoped that this report will act as a reminder of the importance of this agent as a cause of anuria.

We describe an elderly man, with pre-existing renal failure and atheromatous renal artery stenosis, who developed persistent anuria due to renal artery thrombosis after acute hypotension following captopril administration. Caution should be used when captopril is first administered to patients with impaired renal function in whom renal artery stenosis is known or suspected.