Renal vein thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus

Thrombus

A thrombus , or blood clot, is the final product of the blood coagulation step in hemostasis. It is achieved via the aggregation of platelets that form a platelet plug, and the activation of the humoral coagulation system...

 obstructing the renal vein

Renal vein

The renal veins are veins that drain the kidney. They connect the kidney to the inferior vena cava.It is usually singular to each kidney, except in the condition "multiple renal veins".It also divides into 2 divisions upon entering the kidney:...

, leading to a reduction in drainage of the kidney

Kidney

The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...

.

Presentation

This thrombosis

Thrombosis

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel is injured, the body uses platelets and fibrin to form a blood clot to prevent blood loss...

 can lead to imbalances in blood clotting factor. Its symptoms may include blood in urine

Urine

Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...

 or being diminished in volume.

Diagnosis

.
CT angiography can be used in diagnosis.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the clot is possible, but rarely performed.

Anticoagulation therapy can have some benefits.

External links

• Overview at Merck Manual
• Diagnosis at wustl.edu