A case of renal infarction associated with elevated factor VIII level

Elevated factor VIII level has recently been shown to be associated with increased risk of thrombosis. We report here a case of renal infarction in association with elevated factor VIII level. The patient presented with a three-day history of flank pain. Laboratory studies on presentation showed an elevated serum creatinine concentration and microscopic hematuria. He was found to have bilateral pulmonary emboli and left common femoral vein thrombosis; imaging studies showed evidence of renal arterial thrombosis with infarction. Hypercoagulability assessment showed an elevated factor VIII level. He was treated with heparin and warfarin with significant improvement in his renal function. Consideration should be given to measurement of factor VIII level as a part of the workup of unexplained thrombo-embolic events.