Wunderlich syndrome (WS) is characterized by spontaneous renal or perinephric hemorrhage in the absence of known trauma. WS is much rarer than haemorrhage caused by iatrogenic or traumatic conditions. The classic WS presentation of Lenk's triad of acute onset flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock is seen in less than a quarter of patients. The majority of patients present with only isolated flank pain and are frequently imaged in the emergency department with an unenhanced computed tomography (CT). The underlying aetiology varies, with the majority of cases attributed to neoplasms, vascular disease, cystic renal disease, and anticoagulation. We hereby present a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with severe discomfort in her left flank for three days in the absence of trauma. The patient was brought in a state of hypovolemic shock. After a thorough evaluation, a diagnosis of WS secondary to angiomyolipoma was made, for which selective angioembolization of the left renal artery was performed. However, due to further deterioration, a left nephrectomy had to be performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and showed no deterioration on follow-up. The treatment modalities are vivid depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient, ranging from conservative management to operative intervention, and should be tailored to the vital state on admission.
Keywords: angioembolization; angiography; angiomylipoma; nephrectomy; wunderlich syndrome.
Copyright © 2024, Sharma et al.