[Partial infarction of the kidney caused by spontaneous idiopathic dissection of the renal artery].

Idiopathic spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) is a rare disease and must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of low back pain. It may be due to various aetiologies, secondary to degenerative or traumatic diseases, or it may be idiopathic. Intravenous urography is usually normal. Abdominal CT usually visualizes the renal infarction and selective arteriography confirms the diagnosis of renal artery dissection. Medical treatment and surveillance provide effective management of the disease. However, surgical management may be proposed either immediately or secondarily. SRAD usually has a favourable course, but, in the longer term, may be complicated by organic renal failure and renovascular hypertension.