Nephrotic syndrome complicated with portal, splenic, and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

• Published in: Kidney research and clinical practice Vol. 33; no. 3; pp. 161 - 164
• Main Authors: Park, Bong Soo, Park, Sihyung, Jin, Kyubok, Choi, Gibok, Park, Kang Min, Jo, Kyeong Min, Kim, Yang Wook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Elsevier B.V 01.09.2014; Elsevier; The Korean Society of Nephrology; 대한신장학회
• Subjects: Case Report; Complications; Nephrology; Nephrotic syndrome; Thrombolytic therapy; Venous thrombosis; 내과학; Nephrotic syndrome; Venous thrombosis; Complications; Thrombolytic therapy
• ISSN: 2211-9132; 2211-9140
• DOI: 10.1016/j.krcp.2014.07.001

Abstract Thromboembolism is a major complication of nephrotic syndrome. Renal vein thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis are relatively common, especially in membranous nephropathy. However, the incidence of portal vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis in patients with nephrotic syndrome is very rare. To date, several cases of portal vein thrombosis treated by anticoagulation therapy, not by thrombolytic therapy, have been reported as a complication of nephrotic syndrome. Here, we report a case of portal, splenic, and SMV thrombosis in a patient with a relapsed steroid dependent minimal change disease who was treated successfully with anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy using urokinase. Radiologic findings and his clinical conditions gradually improved. Six months later, a complete remission of the nephrotic syndrome was observed and the follow-up computed tomography scan showed the disappearance of all portal vein, splenic vein, and SMV thrombi.