RENAL-VEIN THROMBOSIS TREATED WITH THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY - CASE-REPORTAND BRIEF REVIEW

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) can occur as a complication of the nephrot ic syndrome. We present the case of a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus with nephrotic syndrome and bilateral RVT with extension of the thrombus into the vena cava to the level of the right atrium a nd multiple pulmonary emboli. She was treated acutely with streptokina se, with complete resolution of the thrombi. In general, anticoagulati on is the mainstay of therapy for RVT. Review of the literature reveal s that thrombolytic therapy can be used safely and appears to have bee n reserved for those patients with the most severe disease or the more grave prognosis, we feel that thrombolytic therapy is warranted in th e presence of bilateral RVT with acute renal failure, massive clot siz e with high risk of acute embolic events, or recurrent pulmonary embol i, in the absence of overriding contraindications. (C) 1995 by the Nat ional Kidney Foundation, Inc.