Multiple Venous and Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis as a Presenting Complaint of Nephrotic Syndrome-Case Report and Challenges in Management

Abstract

Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) patients are prone to develop deep venous thrombosis as a complication. But it is unusual to present initially with multiple venous thrombosis and pulmonary artery thrombosis before the diagnosis of NS. Here, we present 60 years old female patient with a known history of diabetes mellitus who presented with shortness of breath and lower limb edema for 2 weeks. CT angiography showed thromboembolism at the right main pulmonary artery and its bronchus intermedius, lower and segmental with right lower lobe small pulmonary infarction and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis extending in both renal veins, right common and left common iliac vein, moderate ascites. Her 24-hour urinary protein was 6.7g. a diagnosis of NS was reached and she was admitted to the ward. Anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin, methyl prednisone, and furosemide was initiated. After she become clinically stable, she was discharged with oral medications. Awareness of the complication of nephrotic syndrome is important not only to nephrologists but to all physicians. Using contrast-enhanced computed tomography to diagnose multiple venous and pulmonary arterial thrombosis is critical. Additionally, it is known that steroid-resistant NS, like membranous glomerulonephritis, are more susceptible to the complication of thromboembolism than steroid-sensitive NS. Contrast venography is used to diagnose DVT. CTPA is the gold standard test for pulmonary embolism.