Renal infarction

Niereninfarkt in der Computertomographie

Renal infarction is a medical condition in which there is a sudden, severe blockage of the blood flow to the kidney, leading to the death of kidney tissue due to a lack of oxygen. This condition can result from various causes, including blood clots, injury, or complications from other diseases. Renal infarction is considered a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent kidney damage or failure.

Causes

Renal infarction can be caused by several factors, the most common being thromboembolism, where a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the renal arteries. Other causes include:

• Atrial fibrillation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots in the heart that may then travel to the kidney
• Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves that can cause clots
• Trauma or injury to the kidney or the arteries supplying the kidney
• Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels
• Hypercoagulable states, conditions that make the blood more likely to clot

Symptoms

Symptoms of renal infarction can vary but often include:

• Severe pain in the side or back, below the ribs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Blood in the urine
• Decreased urine output
• High blood pressure

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of renal infarction involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood tests to check for elevated levels of certain enzymes that indicate kidney damage
• Urine tests to detect blood or other abnormalities
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the kidneys and detect blockages

Treatment

Treatment for renal infarction focuses on restoring blood flow to the kidney and managing symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent further clotting
• Pain management with medication
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the blockage or repair the damaged arteries

Prognosis

The prognosis for renal infarction depends on the extent of the kidney damage and how quickly treatment is initiated. If treated promptly, it is possible to recover with minimal or no lasting damage to the kidney. However, if a significant portion of the kidney is affected, it may lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Prevention

Preventing renal infarction involves managing risk factors for blood clots and heart disease, such as:

• Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes
• Avoiding smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercise
• Managing cholesterol levels