Acute Renal Infarction Pathogenesis and Atrial Fibrillation: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Kidney infarction is an uncommon thromboembolic complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Diagnosis of this condition can be challenging due to its rarity and the fact that its presentation is associated with a multitude of other pathologies. No treatment guidelines have been established so far; however, multiple modalities have been employed, including systemic thrombolytics, intra-arterial thrombolytics and anticoagulants. In this article, we review acute renal infarction pathogenesis with a focus on AF as an important etiology.

Use of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography to detect kidney infarction in dogs

“…Grade 2 of kidney infarction refers to segmental infarction and generally occurs because of the blockage of the major branches of the kidney artery. 10 , 13 , 23 Kidney infarction was more likely to be identified at the caudal part of the kidneys (31/56, 55.35%). The anatomical difference of kidney vessels among kidney parenchymal area could have contributed to this phenomenon.…”

“…Kidney infarction can be diagnosed by using various imaging modalities such as abdominal ultrasound, kidney angiography, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT), magnetic resonance imaging, and kidney scintigraphy. 9 , 10 Among these techniques, CECT is 1 of the most common imaging modalities to detect kidney infarction in humans due to its availability, high sensitivity and specificity to detect the lesion, and time efficiency. 10 , 11 , 12 Kidney infarction on CECT images presents as a wedge‐shaped parenchyma perfusion defect, with or without a cortical rim sign, without mass effect, or major perirenal stranding.…”

“… 9 , 10 Among these techniques, CECT is 1 of the most common imaging modalities to detect kidney infarction in humans due to its availability, high sensitivity and specificity to detect the lesion, and time efficiency. 10 , 11 , 12 Kidney infarction on CECT images presents as a wedge‐shaped parenchyma perfusion defect, with or without a cortical rim sign, without mass effect, or major perirenal stranding. 7 , 13 , 14 Characteristics of experimentally induced kidney infarction in dogs are peripheral wedge‐shaped hypoattenuating areas without a cortical rim sign, similar to that in humans.…”