Renal vein occlusion or thrombosis occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow out of the kidney. In adults, the condition can be mild, can lead to renal failure or may produce a pulmonary embolism. The latter occurs when the clot is dislodged and is swept away to lodge in the lung.
Causes of Renal Vein Occlusion
Renal vein thrombosis may occur secondarily to trauma to the kidney and renal vein. This may result from injuries to the low back and abdomen. Renal vein thrombosis is usually the result of some underlying disease in adults. Malignant kidney tumors can extend into the renal vein and produce thrombosis. The use of oral contraceptives as well as pregnancy can lead to the development of renal vein thrombosis. Nephrotic syndrome is at times associated with renal vein thrombosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Renal Vein Occlusion
Pain in the low back and flank occurs may occur with renal vein thrombosis. Blood in the urine may be seen. If a portion, or the entire blood clot, becomes dislodged and is swept into the pulmonary circulation, a pulmonary embolism may develop. This leads to chest pain, fever and shortness of breath. The individual may develop cough with bloody sputum. As less oxygen is carried to the body, rapid or irregular heart beats may develop.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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