Renal vein entrapment syndrome: frequency and diagnosis. A lesson in conservatism

Clinical Nephrology
|August 1, 1986
PubMed

Insights

Left renal vein (LRV) entrapment can cause hematuria in children. Ultrasound and red blood cell analysis are recommended non-invasive tools for diagnosis, avoiding more invasive procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Urology

Background:

  • Gross hematuria and flank pain in children warrant thorough investigation.
  • Left renal vein (LRV) entrapment is a potential, though often overlooked, cause of these symptoms.

Observation:

  • Two boys initially presented with gross hematuria and left loin pain, diagnosed via ultrasound (US) with LRV entrapment and isomorphic urinary red blood cells.
  • Over 18 months, two additional boys were diagnosed with LRV entrapment syndrome, confirmed by US and characteristic red blood cell morphology, among ten children investigated for gross hematuria.

Findings:

  • Renal venography demonstrated a low yield in detecting LRV compression.
  • Urinary red blood cell morphology, particularly isomorphic red cells, along with diagnostic US, proved effective in identifying LRV entrapment syndrome.
  • Asymptomatic patients may exhibit LRV compression, necessitating strict diagnostic criteria for entrapment.

Implications:

  • Phase microscopy and renal US are recommended as initial, non-invasive diagnostic steps for pediatric hematuria.
  • These simple procedures can help avoid invasive or radiation-dependent investigations.
  • Accurate diagnosis of LRV entrapment syndrome is crucial for appropriate management in pediatric patients.

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