Successful catheter aspiration and local low-dose thrombolysis in an acute renal artery embolism

Abstract

Acute renal artery embolism (RAE) is a clinical rare condition and diagnosis of it is often delayed or missed due to both the rarity of the disease and its non-specific clinical presentation. The exact role and optimal timing of endovascular revascularization remain controversial and uncertain. This article discusses a case of acute renal artery embolism caused by atrial fibrillation. Endovascular renal thrombus aspiration combined with local low-dose thrombolysis reversed the renal ischemia with restoration of renal function despite prolonged ischemia.