RENAL-VEIN THROMBOSIS - A FORGOTTEN COMPLICATION OF ACUTE PYELONEPHRITIS

BACKGROUND: Renal vein thrombosis, long recognized as a classical comp lication of acute pyelonephritis, has become exceptional since the adv ent of antibiotics. CASE REPORT: An 85-year-old woman was hospitalized for acute Escherichia coil nephritis. Computed tomography with contra st agent injection was performed due to clinical improve ment after an 8-day course of antibiotics and demonstrated purulent urine collectio n on an obstructive calicial stone as well as homolateral thrombosis o f the renal vein. Duplex Doppler confirmed the diagnosis. Pulmonary em bolism was evidenced by pulmonary scintigraphy. The clinical course wa s satisfactory after urine drainage and efficacious antibiotics. CONCL USION: Renal vein thrombosis remains a severe though uncommon complica tion of acute pyelonephritis. Computed tomography with iodine contrast agent or duplex Doppler allows noninvasive diagnosis.