Thromboembolic complications in nephrotic syndrome: imaging spectrum

Acta Radiol. 2012 Dec 1;53(10):1186-94. doi: 10.1258/ar.2012.120259. Epub 2012 Oct 18.

Abstract

Thromboembolism is a well-known complication of nephrotic syndrome. Pulmonary embolism, renal vein thrombosis, and deep vein thrombosis are the most common venous thromboembolic diseases in patients with nephrotic syndrome, while arterial thromboembolic complications are observed less frequently. Imaging plays an important role in the detection and follow-up of thromboembolism in these patients. The purpose of this essay is to describe the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, the imaging diagnosis, and treatment of thromboembolism in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Renal Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Renal Veins / pathology
  • Thromboembolism / diagnosis*
  • Thromboembolism / drug therapy
  • Thromboembolism / etiology*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology