Renal Vein Thrombosis (RVT)

A renal vein thrombosis is a thrombosis that occurs in the veins that drain blood away from the kidneys. These clots reduce the ability of the kidneys to clean and filter the blood. This can increase the risk that further clots will then develop. RVT should be treated as soon as it is discovered, to help to maintain stable renal function. Men are twice as likely to suffer from RVT as women are, although the reasons for this are largely unknown. It mainly affects people over the age of 40.

 

A large number of factors can contribute to instances of renal vein thrombosis, including; nephritic syndrome, cancer, kidney transplants and blunt trauma to the lower back or abdomen. Some of these conditions mean the sufferer is likely to suffer multiple episodes of thrombosis over their lifetime. RVT is rarely treated with surgery, unless alternative treatments are unsuccessful. The surgery to remove clots from the renal veins is very invasive and can cause serious complications. Patients with chronic RVT may be required to take anticoagulants for the rest of their lives.