Spontaneous Perinephric Haemorrhage (Wunderlich Syndrome) Secondary to Upper Pole Renal Angiomyolipoma: A Rare Life Threatening Situation: Case Report and Discussion

Abstract

Wunderlich Syndrome is a rare condition in which spontaneous renal haemorrhage occurs into the subcapsular and perirenal spaces in absence of trauma. It can present as a life threatening situation with profound shock which demands urgent attention. Though angiomyolipoma of the kidney is the most common neoplasm associated with spontaneous renal haemorrhage, varied presentation and lack of suspicion often pose a challenge when arriving at the diagnosis. The key in management of a case of Wunderlich Syndrome is high index of suspicion, prompt resuscitative measures, focussed investigations, identifying the underlying cause, embolisation and/or surgery. However, diagnostic difficulties often lead to faultydiagnosis and under reporting of the Wunderlich Syndrome.