A Case Report of a Young Female With Renal Infarction Secondary to Breakthrough COVID Infection

COVID-19 infection is a disease that induces a hypercoagulable state that appears to be more aggressive than other conditions related to endothelial damage. The kidney, a highly vascularized organ rich in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, is commonly affected by COVID-19 infection. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in these patients and has been linked to worse outcomes. Furthermore, kidney infarction, although uncommon, has also been reported. We present the case of a 21-year-old otherwise healthy female presenting with flank pain who was found to have renal infarction in the setting of breakthrough COVID-19 infection and Oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use. Despite getting appropriate vaccination, the patient was infected. She was not hypoxic, and her kidney function was preserved. CT angiography demonstrated peripheral hypoattenuation in the right kidney compatible with infarct but no evidence of a thrombus. The patient was medically managed with anticoagulation, and supportive therapy was offered for pain control. She had clinical improvement. The follow-up at three weeks showed normal renal function. She was continued with novel oral anticoagulation (NOAC). This case demonstrates that COVID-19 infection may present renal infarction in otherwise healthy young individuals even after appropriate vaccination. Early recognition is essential so that appropriate therapy can be given. Long-term anticoagulation and outcomes of this entity must be studied.