Unilateral renal artery embolism managed conservatively.
Renal artery embolism presents a diagnostic challenge because the condition is rare and it often mimics other more common abdominal problems. A conservative approach is favoured by most urologists but management is still controversial. The authors present a case of unilateral renal artery embolism that illustrates the difficulties and delay in making a diagnosis. It also highlights the efficacy of anticoagulants in restoring adequate function in a kidney that had been totally nonfunctioning and partially ischemic for longer than 18 hours.
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000925:Anticoagulants