Cardiovascular · UKMLA & AKT
Renal artery thrombosis/embolism
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise renal artery thrombosis/embolism — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Flank/loin pain - sudden, severe, constant (not colicky - unlike renal colic)
- Haematuria - macro- or microscopic
- AKI - rising creatinine; may be mild/absent in unilateral occlusion with healthy contralateral kidney
- Hypertension - acute renin release from ischaemic kidney activates RAAS
- Nausea/vomiting, fever - may mimic pyelonephritis
- Features of underlying cause - irregularly irregular pulse (AF), signs of infective endocarditis, widespread atherosclerosis
Classic triad: sudden flank pain + haematuria + AKI - but present in only a minority. Key clue: NO pyuria (distinguishes from pyelonephritis) + known embolic risk factor (e.g. AF). Markedly elevated LDH is a useful biochemical pointer to renal infarction.
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