Segmental renal vein thrombosis: An unusual complication of acute pyelonephritis

Abstract

Renal vein thrombosis is not a common manifestation in the context of acute pyelonephritis. We report the case of a 29-year-old female diabetic patient that was admitted to our department for an episode of complicated acute pyelonephritis. Initial imaging showed a left lower polar abscess of 27 mm and urine cultures grew community acquired K. Pneumoniae. Two days after the patient was discharged, she was readmitted with worsening symptoms. Repeat imaging showed stability in the size of the abscess and revealed a left lower segmental vein thrombosis. The patient responded favorably to antibiotics and heparin-warfarin therapy.

Keywords

• Acute pyelonephritis
• Renal abscess
• Renal vein thrombosis