[A case of renal tumor with erythrocytosis]

A case of renal tumor with secondary erythrocytosis and acute occlusion of the left common iliac artery is reported. The patient was a 73-year-old male who complained of right upper abdominal pain. Laboratory investigation at admission revealed erythrocytosis. Radiological examinations including excretory urography, angiography and computed tomographic (CT) scan showed that the hypervascular tumor was related to the right kidney with pulmonary metastases. Transabdominal echography revealed a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. The tumor was not surgically removed, and IFN-alpha (HLBI) at a dose of 3 x 10(6) units was administered intramuscularly for 6 consecutive days every week and UFT at a dose of 3 capsules was given by oral route daily. About two months later, acute occlusion of the left common iliac artery with necrosis of the left toes occurred, and the left lower extremity was amputated. The high haematocrit resulted in an increase of blood viscosity which caused acute arterial occlusive disease. The association between renal tumor and erythrocytosis is discussed.