[Segmental renal infarction presenting as acute flank pain].

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical case of a male with acute onset right flank pain and significant deterioration of his general status.

METHODS

40-year-old male patient with acute onset of flank pain, progressive worsening, and fever up to 40 degrees C. Blood analysis (hemogram, coagulation tests, and serum ions), urine analysis, and abdominal x-rays, ultrasound and CT scan were performed. After the diagnosis of segmental renal infarction treatment with low molecular weight heparin was started.

RESULTS

Patient improved clinically and was discharged from hospital 10 days later and received final discharge as outpatient after 6-month follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal infarction should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of acute flank pain, when more frequent causes as renal colic or inflammatory-infectious diseases are ruled out, mainly in patients with cardiovascular diseases because the most frequent cause is embolism.