Lack of functioning of one kidney may not cause symptoms because the second kidney adequately filters the blood. Hypertension may develop, however. If there is not a second functional kidney, blockage of the renal artery may cause symptoms of acute kidney failure . Acute arterial occlusion of the kidney may occur after injury or trauma to the abdomen, side, or occasionally the back. The risk of emboli increases if there is a history of heart disorders such as mitral stenosis or atrial fibrillation .
Smoking also increases the risk of developing emboli.
Pain, if present, usually develops suddenly. Signs And Tests Physical examination is generally unrevealing unless the disorder has persisted long enough to cause kidney failure . An IVP may show no function of the affected kidney. A renal scan may indicate lack of blood flow to the affected kidney. Renal arteriography will show the exact location of the occlusion.