Spontaneous renal artery dissection complicated by renal infarction: A case report and review of the literature

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports Vol. 3; no. 7; pp. 257 - 259
• Main Authors: Katz-Summercorn, A.C, Borg, C.M, Harris, P.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: CT angiography; Management; Spontaneous renal artery dissection; Surgery; CT angiography; Spontaneous renal artery dissection; Management
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2012.03.009

Abstract Introduction Renal artery dissection is a rare cause of abdominal pain. The renal arteries are the commonest site of primary dissection involving visceral vessels but spontaneous bilateral dissection is extremely rare. Presentation of case We present a case of spontaneous bilateral renal artery dissection in a previously fit 43-year-old man who presented with right iliac fossa pain. He was treated conservatively with anticoagulation for 6 months, with resolution of the dissections on imaging at 6-month follow-up. Discussion The presentation of spontaneous renal artery dissection is non-specific, making it a diagnostic challenge. Computed Tomography angiography is now the gold standard for diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of considering other causes of abdominal pain in a young man with normal initial investigations and the role of conservative management.