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Brazilian Journal of Clinical Medicine and Review

Health Review

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): January/December - 2025

Renal Artery Thrombosis Associated with COVID-19: A Systematic Review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.52600/2965-0968.bjcmr.2025.3.1.bjcmr7
Submitted
June 15, 2024
Published
2024-07-21

Abstract

Arterial thromboembolism associated with COVID-19 is a rare complication in the renal arteries and, when present, can lead to severe conditions. The aim of this study is to understand renal artery thrombosis associated with acute or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. Articles were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO. The exclusion criteria included patients with risk factors for thrombosis. A total of 139 studies were found, of which thirteen met the pre-established criteria. The review emphasizes that this complication is more prevalent during infection and is more common in young male patients, with a predilection for the left renal artery. In these cases, no benefit was identified from thromboprophylaxis after a COVID-19 diagnosis. The clinical presentation was marked by sudden lower back pain, and occasionally fever, nausea, and oliguria. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was sufficient to make the diagnosis. There was a preference for conservative treatment, and a cycle of therapeutic anticoagulation was also performed after hospital discharge. Information regarding renal function impairment is more related to acute manifestations, revealing limited knowledge of long-term consequences.

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