Computed tomography of renal vein thrombosis.

We reviewed our clinical experience of the past 1 1/2 years using computed tomography (CT) in cases of suspected renal vein thrombosis; we detected three cases and correctly excluded renal vein thrombosis in an additional three patients. Because of our limited clinical experience, we surgically created left renal vein thrombosis in five dogs. In all animals abnormal CT findings were present. Abnormalities in both humans and animals included direct demonstration of low attenuation thrombus in the renal vein, renal enlargement, renal vein enlargement, presence of perirenal collaterals, and unilaterally prolonged corticomedullary junction time. We conclude that CT scanning can serve as a valuable examination in patients with suspected renal vein thrombosis.