Bilateral renal cortical necrosis as a rare form of acute renal failure was encountered in two patients with sepsis and acute renal failure. In both cases contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed characteristic findings: absent specification of the renal cortex and enhancement of subcapsular and juxtamedullary areas and of the medulla without excretion of contrast medium. Establishing an early diagnosis and visualizing the extent of renal cortical necrosis by means of contrast-enhanced computed tomography allow a prognostic evaluation of renal function and further planning of therapy.