Wunderlich's syndrome as a manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa

Abstract

Wunderlich syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterised by spontaneous renal haemorrhage that can be life-threatening and requires emergency attention. The most frequent aetiologies are renal tumours and vascular diseases. The authors report a case of a patient admitted with hypovolaemic shock due to a retroperitoneal haematoma in the context of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Prognosis of untreated PAN is very poor with 13% 5-year survival rate. Therefore, early recognition of disease and proper treatment with immunosuppressors will prevent catastrophic complications and improves survival.