DOI: 10.12890/2022_003269

A Case of Spontaneous Renal Haemorrhage (Wunderlich Syndrome) in an Anticoagulated Patient

Authors

  • Manuela Giovini Intermediate Care Unit, Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
  • Erika Poggiali Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
  • Piervito Zocchi Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
  • Esterina Bianchi Radiology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
  • Elio Antonucci Intermediate Care Unit, Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
  • Mario Barbera Intermediate Care Unit, Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy

manuelagiovini@gmail.com

Keywords

Spontaneous renal haemorrhage, renal haematoma, Wunderlich syndrome, anticoagulation, flank pain, contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Abstract

Spontaneous renal haemorrhage is a rare but severe condition known as Wunderlich syndrome (WS). The classic presentation includes sudden-onset flank pain, a palpable flank mass and hypovolaemic shock (Lenk’s triad). WS can be due to neoplasms, vascular diseases, cystic rupture, coagulopathies and infections. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is mandatory for diagnosis. Surgery is reserved for haemodynamically unstable patients and those with neoplastic disease. We describe a case of WS in an anticoagulated patient with chronic atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, who developed acute renal failure and severe anaemia, that completely resolved with conservative treatment and discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy.

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References

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Published

2022-04-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2022)

How to Cite

1.
Giovini M, Poggiali E, Zocchi P, Bianchi E, Antonucci E, Barbera M. A Case of Spontaneous Renal Haemorrhage (Wunderlich Syndrome) in an Anticoagulated Patient. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2022 Apr. 1 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];9(4). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/3269

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