Unilateral renal artery embolism managed conservatively.

Renal artery embolism presents a diagnostic challenge because the condition is rare and it often mimics other more common abdominal problems. A conservative approach is favoured by most urologists but management is still controversial. The authors present a case of unilateral renal artery embolism that illustrates the difficulties and delay in making a diagnosis. It also highlights the efficacy of anticoagulants in restoring adequate function in a kidney that had been totally nonfunctioning and partially ischemic for longer than 18 hours.