A rare case report of idiopathic renal infarction initially misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis.

rationaleIdiopathic renal infarction refers to the sudden necrosis of kidney tissue due to a loss of blood supply, without an identifiable or specific underlying cause. It is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition owing to its nonspecific symptoms, with clinical manifestations similar to gastrointestinal or urinary disorders. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 40-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with sudden-onset right lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. DIAGNOSES: Initial laboratory and imaging studies, including abdominal computed tomography (CT), did not reveal any specific abnormalities, leading to a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis. However, after a second episode of similar symptoms, further investigations, including contrast-enhanced CT, revealed evidence of renal infarction.

interventionsThe patient was treated with anticoagulation therapy and infection control, and his symptoms improved gradually. OUTCOMES: After 6 months of follow-up, the patient had not recurred. LESSONS: Although the condition is rare, idiopathic renal infarction can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, presenting with symptoms commonly associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Contrast-enhanced CT is more reliable for the diagnosis of renal infarction. Early aggressive anticoagulation is fundamental to treating idiopathic renal infarction.