Segmental renal infarction presenting as acute flank pain

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical case of a male with acute onset right flank pain and significant deterioration of his general status. METHODS: 40-year-old male patient with acute onset of flank pain, progressive worsening, and fever up to 40 degrees C. Blood analysis (hemogram, coagulation tests, and serum ions), urine analysis, and abdominal x-rays, ultrasound and CT scan were performed. After the diagnosis of segmental renal infarction treatment with low molecular weight heparin was started. RESULTS: Patient improved clinically and was discharged from hospital 10 days later and received final discharge as outpatient after 6-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Renal infarction should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of acute flank pain, when more frequent causes as renal colic or inflammatory-infectious diseases are ruled out, mainly in patients with cardiovascular diseases because the most frequent cause is embolism.