Acute renal vein thrombosis, oral contraceptives, and protein S deficiency: a successful catheter-directed thrombolysis

Ann Vasc Surg. 2009 Sep-Oct;23(5):687.e1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2009.01.006. Epub 2009 Jul 23.

Abstract

Acute renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a rare but noteworthy form of venous thromboembolism. Traditional management has been systemic anticoagulation with heparin, followed by warfarin. We report a case of acute RVT with multiple pulmonary emboli that occurred in a 40-year-old woman who was taking oral contraceptives and was subsequently found to have protein S deficiency. The patient was treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis, and complete resolution of the RVT was achieved. This case suggests that oral contraceptive use in a patient with protein S deficiency may interact in a synergistic manner in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Also, we believe that catheter-directed thrombolysis is warranted in selective cases in the absence of overriding contraindications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Phlebography / methods
  • Protein S Deficiency / blood
  • Protein S Deficiency / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / blood
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Renal Veins* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombolytic Therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / administration & dosage*
  • Venous Thrombosis / blood
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy*
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator