Isolated renal artery occlusion in blunt abdominal trauma: a literature review with a case report

Renal artery occlusion following blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon and is rarely reported in the emergency department. It has traditionally been managed with surgical intervention, but new methods are emerging that involve conservative therapy and minimally invasive procedures, making proficiency in anatomy necessary for successful clinical management.

This report describes a 20-year-old woman with unilateral left renal artery occlusion after a motor vehicle accident. Despite a left tibial fracture and a flank contusion, she remained hemodynamically stable. The diagnosis was confirmed with a whole-body CT scan, which showed occlusion of the inferior branch of the left renal artery and lower lobe infarction, with findings supported by diagnostic angiography. A conservative, minimally invasive treatment plan, including daily aspirin and intravenous opioids for pain, was successfully used, resulting in a good prognosis with stable kidney function and relief of pain at 1-month follow-up.

A review of the literature was also performed to summarize the best diagnostic and management tools in such cases, and the literature indicates that CT scanning is the superior diagnostic tool, with evidence supporting minimally invasive and conservative management as the best treatment plan over surgical repair or nephrectomy unless otherwise justified.

Renal artery occlusion following blunt abdominal trauma is rare. CT angiography is crucial for timely diagnosis. Minimally invasive and conservative management offers favorable outcomes and preserves renal function.