Wunderlich syndrome during antiplatelet drug therapy

Spontaneous hemorrhage in the kidney, also known as Wunderlich Syndrome, is a rare clinical problem. The most common cause of spontaneous renal hemorrhage is tumor. Other causes are rupture of a renal cyst, vasculitis, hydronephrosis, preeclampsia, and kidney infections.

A 67-year-old man was admitted complaining left flank colic pain. A contrast CT scan showed the presence of a subcapsular hematoma of the left kidney extending from the upper to the lower pole. He had no history of trauma and immunological screening tests for vasculitis were normal. His current therapy included acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/daily) and lisinopril (20 mg/ daily). The patient was hospitalized for 4 days and his circulatory state remained stable. Nine months later an ultrasound examination showed complete resolution of the hematoma. One year later the patient was admitted again because of a spontaneous right calf hematoma and a thoroughly investigation of his coagulation pattern was carried out. Laboratory finding revealed a platelet defect, as the number of adenine nucleotides and other marker related to platelet activation were increased: ADP 1 mcM lack 2 masculine wave, ADP 2 mcM lack 2 masculine wave, Adrenalina 5 mcM lack 2 masculine wave, Adrenalina 10 mcM lack 2 masculine wave. Platelet activation markers: Gp53 in lysosomal membrane 0.48 Dpar (0 - 0.26).

Our case describes the recurrence of spontaneous hemorrhages (perirenal and intramuscular hematoma) as a result of an underlying platelet aggregation defect worsened by administration of acetylsalicylic acid. In patients on antiplatelet treatment with a history of excessive bleeding a thorough investigation of coagulation status appears beneficial.