Renal Infarction
What is Renal Infarction?
Renal infarction happens when blood flow to part of your kidney is suddenly blocked. The blocked artery stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching kidney tissue. Without blood supply, that section of kidney tissue begins to die.
This condition is often caused by a blood clot that travels from another part of your body. The clot gets stuck in the renal artery or one of its smaller branches. When kidney tissue dies, it can release waste into your bloodstream and cause blood to appear in your urine.
Renal infarction is rare but serious. It can affect one or both kidneys. Quick detection and treatment help prevent permanent kidney damage. Many cases go undiagnosed because symptoms can look like other kidney problems or back pain.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe flank pain on one side of your back
- Blood in your urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever without infection
- High blood pressure that appears suddenly
- Decreased urine output
- Pain that does not improve with typical pain relievers
Some people with small renal infarctions have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Others may only notice blood in their urine during routine testing. The severity of symptoms often depends on how much kidney tissue is affected.
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Causes and risk factors
Renal infarction most commonly occurs when a blood clot breaks loose from another location and travels to the kidney. Heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, or recent heart attack can create clots that reach the kidneys. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, can also form clots or plaques that block blood flow. Other causes include injury to the kidney area, blood vessel inflammation called vasculitis, or complications from medical procedures.
Risk factors include irregular heartbeat, especially atrial fibrillation, heart disease, high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure. People with clotting disorders or those who have had recent surgery or trauma are at higher risk. Certain medications and conditions that make blood clot more easily also increase your chances. Age over 60 and a history of stroke or peripheral artery disease raise your risk as well.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose renal infarction using imaging tests and blood work. A CT scan with contrast dye is the most common test to see blocked blood vessels in the kidney. An MRI can also show areas where kidney tissue has died. Blood tests check kidney function and look for signs of tissue damage. Urine tests can detect blood in your urine, which often appears with renal infarction.
Rite Aid offers urine blood testing as part of our flagship health panel. This test can detect hidden blood in your urine that may not be visible to the naked eye. Early detection through routine testing helps catch kidney problems before they become serious. If you have sudden flank pain or visible blood in your urine, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Treatment options
- Blood thinners like heparin or warfarin to prevent new clots and stop existing ones from growing
- Clot-dissolving medications called thrombolytics in some emergency cases
- Pain management with prescription medications
- Blood pressure medications to protect remaining kidney function
- Treatment of underlying conditions like atrial fibrillation or atherosclerosis
- In rare cases, surgery to remove the clot or repair the blood vessel
- Dialysis if kidney function drops significantly
- Staying well hydrated to support kidney function
- Following a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium and protein if recommended
- Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests
Concerned about Renal Infarction? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
When kidney tissue dies from lack of blood flow, cells break down and release contents into the urine. Blood vessels in the damaged area can leak red blood cells into the urine. This creates hematuria, or blood in the urine, which is a common sign of kidney damage from infarction.
Symptoms usually appear suddenly when the blood clot blocks the artery. Most people experience severe flank pain within minutes to hours of the blockage. Blood in the urine and other symptoms typically follow soon after. The sudden onset helps doctors distinguish renal infarction from other kidney conditions.
Routine urine tests can detect blood in your urine, which may be the first sign of renal infarction. Blood tests may show elevated kidney enzymes or decreased kidney function. However, imaging tests like CT scans are needed to confirm the diagnosis and see the blocked blood vessel.
Recovery depends on how quickly treatment starts and how much tissue was affected. Small infarctions may heal with minimal permanent damage. Large infarctions can cause permanent loss of kidney function in the affected area. Quick treatment with blood thinners gives the best chance for recovery.
No, these are completely different conditions. Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidney and can block urine flow. Renal infarction is caused by blocked blood flow to kidney tissue. Both can cause severe flank pain, but they require different treatments.
If you have atrial fibrillation, heart disease, or other risk factors, get urine and kidney function tests at least twice a year. Regular testing can catch early signs of kidney problems before they become serious. Talk to your doctor about how often you need imaging tests based on your specific risk factors.
Yes, managing risk factors helps prevent the blood clots that cause renal infarction. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control through diet and exercise. Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active. If you have atrial fibrillation, take prescribed blood thinners as directed.
Some medications that affect blood clotting or blood vessels may increase risk. Birth control pills and hormone therapy can raise clot risk in some people. Certain migraine medications that constrict blood vessels may also play a role. Always tell your doctor about all medications you take so they can assess your risk.
Yes, especially if the underlying cause is not treated. People with ongoing atrial fibrillation or clotting disorders have higher risk of repeat events. Taking blood thinners as prescribed and managing heart conditions reduces the chance of another infarction. Regular monitoring helps catch problems early.
Seek emergency care immediately if you have sudden, severe flank pain with blood in your urine. Also go if you have these symptoms along with fever, nausea, or decreased urine output. Quick treatment within hours can save kidney tissue and prevent permanent damage.