Spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma presenting with shock; a case report from Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign tumors, often incidentally diagnosed with rupture being the commonest complication and cause of mortality. These tumors are rare with a higher prevalence among patients with tuberous sclerosis and female predominance. Management is dependent on tumor size and whether or not the tumor has ruptured.

CASE PRESENTATION

32-year-old female presenting with sudden right flank pain with shock without history of prior trauma or surgeries. Underwent imaging revealing a suspected ruptured AML thus underwent emergent nephrectomy with admission to intensive care.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Wunderlich syndrome manifests as the Lenk triad, which includes acute flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock with signs of internal bleeding such as hematuria. It is a rare manifestation signifying spontaneous renal hemorrhage. Due to the instability of the patient had to undergo emergency laparotomy and nephrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Renal AML occur as a rare benign phenomenon which when ruptured are associated with high mortality rate if not treated promptly in a setting with specialized treatment and intensive unit care. We hope that through our experience patients presenting with Lenk's triad are identified early for adequate intervention.