Renal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.
Alternative Names:
Clot in the renal vein; Occlusion - renal vein
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Renal vein thrombosis is a fairly uncommon situation that may happen after trauma to the abdomen or back, or it may occur because of a tumor, stricture (scar formation), or other blockage of the vein. It may be associated with nephrotic syndrome.
In some children it occurs after severe dehydration, and is a more serious condition than in adults. Dehydration is the most common cause of renal vein thrombosis in infants.
Venography (angiography) of the vena cava or renal vein may indicate renal vein thrombosis.
Review Date: 12/9/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Renal Disease
