Treatment:

Often, patients need no specific treatment. Blood clots may get better on their own over time.

If the blockage is discovered within a few hours of its occurrence, or if the affected kidney is the only functional kidney, attempts may be made to open the artery.

Attempts to open the artery may include use of clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics) and medications that prevent the blood from clotting (anticoagulants), such as Coumadin.

Some people may need to have the artery surgically repaired, or the blockage removed with a tube, called a catheter, inserted into the artery.

Treatment for acute kidney failure may be appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis):

Damage caused by arterial occlusion may be temporary, but it is usually permanent.

If only one kidney is affected, the healthy kidney may take over filtering and urine production. In cases where there is only one functional kidney, arterial occlusion leads to acute kidney failure that often persists as chronic kidney failure.

Complications:

• Acute kidney failure
• Chronic kidney failure
• End-stage renal disease
• High blood pressure
• Malignant hypertension
• Renal artery stenosis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you stop producing urine, or if you feel sudden, severe pain in the back, flank, or abdomen.

If you have only one functional kidney and you have symptoms of acute arterial occlusion, go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number, such as 911.