Acute segmental renal infarction due to factor V Leiden

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Renal infarction is rare and has variable clinical presentations causing diagnostic difficulties. Although most renal infarctions are caused by an obvious thromboembolic factor some are only explained by hereditary or acquired thrombophilia. The authors present a case of segmental renal infarction associated with factor V Leiden. METHODS/ RESULTS: A 48-year-old man presented with right flank pain that was unresponsive to analgesia for renal colic. CT scan was performed revealing a partial renal infarction. The etiologic study was only positive to factor V Leiden. In spite of the diagnosis and treatment it resulted in atrophy of the affected renal area. CONCLUSIONS: Renal infarction can be a presentation of thrombophilia that should be searched in the absence of an obvious embolic factor. Renal CT scan is the best way to a rapid diagnosis and treatment.