What is renal vein thrombosis?
Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein that leads to the kidney. It’s a rare condition that can cause serious damage to the kidneys if not treated. RVT tends to affect adults more than children, and it often happens due to a different condition affecting the kidneys, such as nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, kidney cancer or tumor, or after kidney transplant surgery.
If treated quickly, RVT usually gets better over time and doesn’t cause lasting damage to the kidneys.
What do the kidneys do?
Your kidneys help filter waste and extra fluids from your blood to balance your body’s fluids. The waste and extra fluids make urine. Your kidneys also keep your bones strong and healthy, make a hormone that helps control your blood pressure, and make red blood cells, which are needed to move oxygen and waste throughout your body.
Renal vein thrombosis symptoms
For patients whose blood clot forms over time, called chronic onset, there are no symptoms, and the condition is only detected through tests done for another reason.
For patients who experience a sudden blood clot causing a blockage to the vein that leads to the kidney, called acute onset, symptoms may include:
- Bloody urine
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased urine output
- Flank pain (soreness between your ribs and backbone)
- Muscle spasms on your back below your rib cage
What causes renal vein thrombosis?
Renal vein thrombosis can be caused by several factors, including:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: When the main vessel supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs becomes weakened and bulges outward.
- Dehydration: The loss of more fluids than taken in, which is the most common cause of renal vein thrombosis in infants.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A collection of symptoms indicating kidney dysfunction, which is the most common cause of renal vein thrombosis in adults.
- Estrogen: A medication used to manage menopausal symptoms and related disorders.
- Hypercoagulable state: A blood clotting disorder that makes blood clot too easily.
- Renal tumors: Abnormal growths that develop in the kidneys. These tumors can be either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
- Pregnancy: A pregnant patient may be slightly more prone to RVT than a non-pregnant person.
- Scarring: Certain types of scars can put pressure on the renal vein.
- Trauma: Injury to the back or abdomen may cause renal vein thrombosis.
Diagnosing renal vein thrombosis
To diagnose renal vein thrombosis, your Penn Medicine care team will ask you about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and recommend one or more tests.
Renal vein thrombosis treatment at Penn Medicine
It’s important to treat renal vein thrombosis as soon as it’s discovered. Your provider may prescribe medications to help dissolve the clot and prevent additional blood clots or recommend surgery to remove the blood clot in the renal vein.
Can I prevent renal vein thrombosis?
While it may not be possible to prevent renal vein thrombosis completely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
- Manage any underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease or blood clotting disorders
- Stay hydrated
- Remain active to promote healthy circulation
- Maintain a healthy weight
Attending regular checkups with your health-care provider and managing risk factors can help you stay proactive in lowering your risk.