Kidney infarction in Friedreich's ataxia with dilated cardiomyopathy. (3rd October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evangelopoulos, Dimitrios Stergios; Pirvu, Tatiana Nataly; Exadaktylos, Aristomenis; Kohl, Sandro
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-10-03
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 37-year-old man with advanced Friedreich's ataxia was referred to our emergency department with acute exacerbated abdominal pain of unclear aetiology. Laboratory tests showed slightly increased inflammatory parameters, elevated troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide, as well as minimal proteinuria. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a pre-existing dilated cardiomyopathy. Abdominal sonography showed no pathological alterations. Owing to persistent pain under analgesia, a contrast-enhanced CT-abdomen was performed, which revealed a non-homogeneous perfusion deficit of the right kidney, although neither abdominal vascular alteration, cardiac thrombus, deep vein thrombosis nor a patent foramen ovale could be detected. Taking all clinical and radiological results into consideration, the current incident was diagnosed as a thromboembolic kidney infarction. As a consequence, lifelong oral anticoagulation was initiated.