Most cases of renal vein thrombosis resolve without any permanent damage. Death from renal vein thrombosis is rare,
Renal vein thrombosis occurs in both infants and adults. Onset of the disorder can be rapid (acute) or gradual.
Renal vein thrombosis develops when a blood clot forms in the renal vein, which carries blood from the kidneys back to the heart. The disorder is not common.
There is no specific prevention for renal vein thrombosis. Preventing dehydration reduces the risk that it will occur.
Renal venography, where a contrast material (dye) is injected into the renal vein before x rays are taken, is one of the best ways to detect renal vein thrombosis.
In children, renal vein thrombosis almost always occurs rapidly after an episode of severe dehydration.
In adults, renal vein thrombosis can be caused by injury to the abdomen or back, as a result of malignant kidney tumors growing into the renal vein, or as a result of kidney diseases
In many cases, deep vein thrombosis can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.
Acute onset of renal vein thrombosis at any age causes pain in the lower back and side, fever, bloody urine, decreased urine output, and sometimes kidney failure
The enzyme streptokinase may be given to help dissolve the renal clot. Anticoagulant medications are usually prescribed to prevent clots from recurring.
Deep Vein ThrombosisDeep vein thrombosis
DefinitionRenal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.Alternative NamesClot in the renal vein; Occlusion - renal veinCauses, incidence, and risk factorsRenal vein thrombosis is a fairly uncommon situation that may happen after trauma to the abdomen or back, or it may occur due to:Scar formationStrictureTumorIt may be associated with nephrotic syndrome.In some children, it occurs after severe dehydration and is a more serious condition than in adults. Dehydration is the most common cause of renal vein thrombosis in infants.SymptomsBloody urineDecreased urine outputFlank pain or low back painSigns and testsAn examination may not reveal the specific problem, but may indicate nephrotic syndrome or other causes of renal vein thrombosis.Abdominal CT scan, abdominal MRI, or abdominal ultrasound may show obstruction of the renal veinUrinalysis may show large quantities of protein in the urine, or red blood cells in the urineX-ray of the kidney veins (venography) may show renal vein thrombosis.TreatmentThe treatment is focused on preventing new clot formations and reducing the risk of the clot traveling to other locations in the body (embolization).You may get medications that prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) to stop new clots from forming. Your doctor may recommend bedrest or limited activity for a brief period.Expectations (prognosis)Renal vein thrombosis usually gets better over time without permanently injuring the kidneys.ComplicationsAcute renal failure (if thrombosis occurs in a dehydrated child)Embolization of the blood clot to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)Formation of new blood clotsCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of renal vein thrombosis.If you have experienced renal vein thrombosis, call your health care provider if you develop decreased urine output, difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms.PreventionThere is no specific prevention for renal vein thrombosis. Maintaining fluids in the body to avoid dehydration may help to reduce its risk.ReferencesKanso AA, Hassan NMA, Badr KF. Microvascular and macrovascular diseases of the kidney. In: Brenner BM, ed. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 32.
In adults, when the onset of the disorder is gradual, there is a slow decrease in kidney function, and protein appears in the urine.