I ntroduction Vascular injury of the kidney can refer to various types of damage affecting the blood vessels that supply the kidney resulting in acute or chronic kidney damage .
Types Acute renal artery occlusion : suddenly blockage of blood flow due to thrombus or embolus . Chronic renal artery stenosis :long term narrowing of the renal artery which may lead to renal ischemia .
Renal vein thrombosis : clot formation in the renal vein leading to kidney swelling and pain . Ischemic nephropathy : chronic kidney injury resulting from reduced blood supply .
causes Thromboembolism : this can occur when the thrombus (blood clot ) forms else where in the body and travels to the renal blood vessels obstructing blood flow . Renal artery stenosis: narrowing of the renal arteries due to atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia can lead to reduced blood flow .
Vasculitis : inflammatory diseases affecting blood vessels such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or SLE can involve the renal vascular Hypertensive nephropathy : chronic hypertension can lead to thickening of the blood vessel walls contributing to kidney damage .
Renal vein thrombosis : obstruction of the renal vein can lead to renal dysfunction . Trauma : direct trauma from accidents or surgical procedures can cause vascular damage . Drug induced injury : certain medications can lead to vascular complications affecting the kidney .
Clinical presentation Flank pain or abdominal pain . Hematuria Sudden onset of hypertension . oliguria or anuria Edema Fever and malaise (in case of vasculitis) Signs of shock (tachycardia , hypotension and decreased consciousness)
Investigation Laboratory test : serum electrolytes and serum creatinine. Imaging Ultrasound : can help identify renal artery stenosis or renal vein thrombosis . Ct angiography: useful in visualizing the renal vasculature .
M R angiography : an alternative for detailed vascular imaging without radiation . biopsy : in some cases a renal biopsy may be performed to assess for underlying vasculitis or other inflammatory conditions
Management Supportive care : hydration and urine output monitoring . Medical management : antihypertensive therapy for hypertension . :anticoagulation for renal vein thrombosis . :immunosuppressive therapy for vasculitis .
Surgical interventions : angioplasty or stenting for renal stenosis. :thromboectomy for renal vein thrombosis . Dialysis : may be required in cases of acute kidney failure .
complications Chronic kidney disease Hypertension Hemorrhage Infection Nephrectomy Death
conclusion Vascular injury of the kidney can have significant implications for kidney function and over all health . Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial to prevent long term complications .
reference Davidson’s essential of medicine ,2 nd edition Harrison ‘s principle of internal medicine , 20 th edition . Up to date