Renal Infarction: is the formation of a
coagulated, necrotic area in one or both kidneys that results from renal
blood vessel occlusion. The size and location of the infarct depend
on the site of vascular occlusion. Most often affects the renal cortex,
but it can extend into the medulla. Residual renal function after
infarction depends on the extent of the damage.
Cause: Most common caused – renal artery embolism secondary
to mitral stenosis. Other causes includes infective endocarditis,
atrial fibrillation, microthrombi in the left ventricle, rheumatic valvular
disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
May also be caused by atherosclerosis with or without thrombus
formation, thrombus from flank trauma, sickle cell anemia, scleroderma,
and arterionephrosclerosis.
Symptoms:
Patient can be asymptomatic.
Upper abdominal pain or gnawing flank pain and tenderness, costovertebral
tenderness
Fever
Anorexia
Nausea and or Vomiting
Treatment:
Surgical repair may be require. Nephrectomy
Antihypertensives
Low sodium diet
Intra arterial streptokinase (to lyse blood clots)
Catheter embolectomy