RENAL ARTERY THROMBOEMBOLISM FOLLOWED BY RENAL INFARCTION: A RARE CAUSE OF ACUTE FLANK PAIN, MIMICKING APPENDICITIS

Renal artery thromboembolism (RATE) is a rare and serious condition, that is often hard to diagnose. It is very important for any physician to have in mind this pathology with unexplained flank pain, specially in patients with risk factors for this condition. Renal artery thromboembolism can cause partial or total renal infarction (RI), so early diagnostic and adequate treatment is necessary.Materials and Methods: We present a case report in elderly woman with risk factors for peripheral thromboembolism. A review of articles was done with intention to discuss this case, including common presenting symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic particularities, treatment options and complications, prevention. Conclusions: In a presence of symptoms – localised flank pain, nausea, vomiting and elevated C- reactive protein, white blood cells, creatinine, d- dimers – contrast enhanced CT scan should be performed as soon as possible. Anticoagulation therapy is thought to be the safest treatment strategy. Unfractioned heparine, if possible, can be replaced by low mass weight heparin in order to prevent anticoagulation therapy complications. To prevent embolic complications of AF – warfarine therapy can be replaced by rivaroxaban therapy.