Learn About Renal Vein Thrombosis
Renal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.
Blood clot in the renal vein; Occlusion - renal vein
Renal vein thrombosis is an uncommon disorder. It may be caused by:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Hypercoagulable state: clotting disorders
- Dehydration (mostly in infants)
- Estrogen use
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Scar formation with pressure on the renal vein
- Trauma (to the back or abdomen)
- Tumor
In adults, the most common cause is nephrotic syndrome. In infants, the most common cause is dehydration.
Symptoms may include:
- Blood clot to the lung
- Bloody urine
- Decreased urine output
- Flank pain or low back pain
The treatment helps to prevent the formation of new clots and reduces the risk of clot traveling to other locations in the body (embolization).
You may get medicines that prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants). You may be told to rest in bed or cut down on activity for a short time.
If sudden kidney failure develops, you may need dialysis for a short period.
Behzad Bidadi is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Hawthorne, New York. Dr. Bidadi is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Renal Vein Thrombosis. His top areas of expertise are Renal Vein Thrombosis, Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis, Osteosarcoma, and Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma.
Shakila Khan is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Khan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Renal Vein Thrombosis. Her top areas of expertise are Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia, Renal Vein Thrombosis, Histiocytosis, Reticulohistiocytoma, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
University Primary Care Practices Inc
Natalie Evans is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Conneaut, Ohio. Dr. Evans is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Renal Vein Thrombosis. Her top areas of expertise are Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Venous Insufficiency, Embolectomy, and Thrombectomy. Dr. Evans is currently accepting new patients.
Renal vein thrombosis most often gets better over time without lasting damage to the kidneys.
Complications may include:
- Acute renal failure (especially if thrombosis occurs in a dehydrated child)
- End stage renal disease
- Blood clot moves to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Formation of new blood clots
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of renal vein thrombosis.
If you have experienced renal vein thrombosis, contact your provider if you have:
- Decrease in urine output
- Blood in the urine
- Breathing problems (due to blood clot moving to your lung called pulmonary embolism)
- Other new symptoms
In most cases, there is no specific way to prevent renal vein thrombosis. Keeping enough fluids in the body may help reduce risk.
Aspirin is sometimes used to prevent renal vein thrombosis in people who have had a kidney transplant. Blood thinners such as warfarin may be recommended for some people with chronic kidney disease.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Coffman TM, Smith SR. Vascular disorders of the kidney. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 110.
Greco BA, Papamarkakis KE. Renovascular hypertension, atherosclerotic renal vascular disease, and thromboembolic kidney disease. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 43.
Lockwood GM, Edwards AB. Urologic evaluation of the child. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 35.