Renal vein occlusion: A review

Purpose: The different etiologies of renal vein occlusion are reviewed. A special category, division of the left renal vein in abdominal aortic surgery, is also discussed in the review. Materials and Methods: The various diagnostic modalities used in cases of renal vein occlusion include excretory urography, ultrasound, nuclear scan, angiography, venography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The main goals of therapy in this condition should be to conserve renal parenchyma and to protect renal function. Results: The principal mode of treatment is medical and includes correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, dialysis, antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulation and in certain cases thrombolysis. Conclusions: Renal vein occlusion in adults is usually a result of the vein thrombosis which is frequently associated with the nephrotic syndrome. The anatomy of renal vascularization is of primary importance in understanding its pathophysiological responses and the clinical and diagnostic presentation of patients with this condition. The reaction of the kidney to its vein occlusion is determined by the balance between the acuteness of the disease, extent of the development of collateral circulation, involvement of 1 or both kidneys and the origin of the underlying disease. Renal vein occlusion is generally a complication of some other condition but may also be a primary disease.