Computed tomographic findings in a case of renal vein thrombosis with nephrotic syndrome

Renal vein thrombosis is a complication of the nephrotic syndrome presumably related to compression of renal veins by edematous parenchyma and a concomitant hypercoagulable state. The diagnosis has been made by demonstrating marked widening of the left renal vein as it crosses horizontally anterior to the aorta on computed tomography. Inferior venacavography confirmed the presence of thrombosis within the vessels. CT is suggested as a method for noninvasive imaging of the renal veins which might eliminate the need for venography.