Baylor Health Care System
 

Renal vein thrombosis

Definition

Renal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.

Alternative Names

Clot in the renal vein; Occlusion - renal vein

Causes

Renal vein thrombosis is a fairly uncommon situation that may happen after trauma to the abdomen or back, or it may occur due to:

  • Scar formation
  • Stricture
  • Tumor

It may be associated with nephrotic syndrome.

In some children it occurs after severe dehydration, and is a more serious condition than in adults. Dehydration is the most common cause of renal vein thrombosis in infants.

Review Date: 11/12/2007
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, D.O., Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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