Abdominal Aortic Thrombosis and Acute Limb Arterial Thromboembolism with Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

Arterial thrombosis is a rare complication of nephrotic syndrome. Herein, we report a case of acute arterial occlusion and abdominal aortic thrombosis in a 54-year-old patient with nephrotic syndrome. While under evaluation for bilateral limb edema, the patient complained of right limb pain and numbness. Computed tomography revealed right popliteal artery thromboembolism and abdominal aortic thrombosis. We performed emergent surgical thrombectomy for the right limb and introduced anticoagulant therapy. Three days postoperatively, computed tomography showed reocclusion of the right popliteal artery. We performed hybrid surgery with thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty, and used an antithrombin agent for postoperative anticoagulant therapy. No thromboembolism recurrence was observed and the abdominal aortic thrombosis was reducing. This case highlights the importance of recognizing abdominal aortic thrombosis and limb thromboembolism as complications of nephrotic syndrome because they may result in an unfavorable outcome, like amputation.