Idiopathic Renal Infarction: An Important Differential Diagnosis of Unexplained Flank Pain

Unexplained flank pain should alert physicians regarding the possibility of acute renal infarction. Despite its rare occurrence, prompt diagnosis and management of renal infarction can improve outcomes. We report a previously healthy 37-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complai...

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Published inCurēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 13; no. 9
Main Authors Al-Shareef, Ali S, Alwafi, Emad, Alzailaie, Mohammed, Shirah, Bader
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Palo Alto (CA) Cureus 23.09.2021
Subjects
Emergency Medicine
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Summary:Unexplained flank pain should alert physicians regarding the possibility of acute renal infarction. Despite its rare occurrence, prompt diagnosis and management of renal infarction can improve outcomes. We report a previously healthy 37-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of left flank pain. Computed tomography angiogram showed a thrombus in the left renal artery. The patient responded well to treatment with anticoagulation, and the symptoms resolved. The present case conforms with other experiences of good outcomes when treatment is initiated in a timely manner. Anticoagulation led to resolution of the thrombus and restoration of perfusion. This case report should remind physicians to consider renal infarction in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen patient with no risk factors.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.18206