Abstract and Introduction
Detection of acute renal infarction is often delayed or missed because of both the rarity of the disease and its nonspecific clinical presentation. Abrupt onset of low-back pain in a patient at high risk for a thromboembolic event may be the first indication of renal infarction. We report a case of acute renal infarction and review its diagnosis and management.
Introduction
Low-back pain is a prevalent problem and can account for up to 15% of all new outpatient visits.[1] Low-back pain is usually a benign condition related to posture or physical strain, and it generally resolves spontaneously or is easily treated. Therefore, low-back pain often is not regarded as a symptom of serious disease. We encountered a case of acute renal infarction in a patient who had sudden onset of low-back pain. Patients with acute renal infarction usually present with persistent low-back, abdominal, and flank pain that suggests other, more common diseases such as lumbago, abdominal disease, urolithiasis, or even myocardial infarction.[2] In addition, neither risk factors nor laboratory examinations that have a clinically acceptable specificity for acute renal infarction exist. Early diagnosis is mandatory to establish effective acute and long-term therapy for the preservation of renal function.
South Med J. 2003;96(5) © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Comments