Clinical characteristics and treatment of traumatic renal artery thrombosis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, early diagnosis, and rational treatments of traumatic renal artery thrombosis or other traumatic emboli. Methods We summarized the clinical data of 10 patients with traumatic renal artery thrombosis or other traumatic emboli. Results Six of ten patients had left renal artery thrombosis, while four of the ten patients had right renal artery thrombosis.Ultrasonography reported a reduced blood flow signal in one patient, and then renal artery embolism was confirmed by enhanced CT.The other nine patients were directly definitely diagnosed as renal artery embolism by enhanced CT.Four patients were treated with low molecular weight heparin calcium, in whom the CT follow-up showed no obvious blood reperfusion in injured kidneys, but the renal function was in normal range.Renal hypertension occurred in two patients, and one of them received nephrectomy because of poorly controlled hypertension with medication. Conclusions Clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory examinations show no specific findings for diagnosis of traumatic renal artery thrombosis.The color Doppler ultrasound is a preliminary screening method for, and an enhanced CT scan is an effective method for, diagnosis of renal artery thrombosis.The early recovery of renal blood circulation is an evidence of effective treatment.Major concerns are supposed to focus on renal function and blood pressure during follow-up. Key words: Blunt injuries; Renal pedicle injury; Traumatic renal artery thrombosis