Atheroembolic Renal Disease and Anticoagulants use: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Warfarin therapy is associated with improved clinical outcomes in several conditions including atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic disease. However, it can cause peripheral embolization by destabilizing the atherosclerotic plaque. This usually manifests as purple or blue toe syndrome, but isolated cases of renal manifestations are also reported. We report the case of a 77-year-old man who has been hemodialysis dependent due to warfarin induced atheroembolic renal disease. This is the most common cause of death in patients with cholesterol crystal embolization. Better understanding of the clinicopathological manifestations and high index of suspicion for the condition in predisposed patients can facilitate early diagnosis and potentially decrease the mortality risk.




doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/wjnu37w