ABSTRACT
Two patients with acute renal artery embolism were reported. One patient had a history of rheumatic valvular heart disease and the other patient had hereditary cardiomyopathy. Both patients had atrial fibrillation on physical examination. Both patients presented with acute back pain and one patient had hematuria. The final diagnosis of acute renal artery embolism was made after one to three days of hospitalization and renal angiography was finally done documenting complete occlusion of the main branch of the renal artery on one side. Intra-arterial streptokinase infusion 5,000 unit per hour was given to both patients using an arterial pump for 17 hours to 30 hours with complete recanalization of the intrarenal branches and complete recovery of signs and symptoms of renal artery embolism although the renal scan still showed diminished renal function.
Subject(s)
Adult , Embolism/drug therapy , Fibrinolytic Agents/administration & dosage , Humans , Infusions, Intra-Arterial , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography, Interventional , Renal Artery/diagnostic imaging , Renal Artery Obstruction/drug therapy , Streptokinase/administration & dosage , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Hepatic artery aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained upper abdominal pain. Diagnosis can be made by using color-flow Doppler ultrasound but selective angiography is also needed. Aggressive treatment is necessary.