Fraley’s Syndrome– This is a pathological condition of the kidney in which there is obstruction of the superior infundibulum of the kidney due to a crossing renal artery branch resulting in pain in the flanks and other symptoms. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for Fraley’s Syndrome.
What Is Fraley’s Syndrome?
As stated, Fraley’s Syndrome is a pathological condition of the kidneys in which the superior infundibulum of the kidney gets obstructed by a crossing branch of the renal artery resulting in distension and dilatation of calyx causing hematuria and nephralgia also called as ipsilateral flank pain.
Causes of Fraley’s Syndrome
Fraley Syndrome is usually caused by renal vessels, which are present in the upper segmental artery. If observed radiologically, these vessels reveal a well-defined filling defect in the infundibulum. The upper calyx looks distended.
Symptoms of Fraley’s Syndrome
- Fever
- Ipsilateral flank pain
- Presence of pyelonephritis
Diagnosis of Fraley’s Syndrome
In order to confirm the diagnosis of Fraley Syndrome, The main tests performed are intravenous urography, retrograde pyelography, and angiography. Hippuran imaging is done to look for functional and excretory changes in superior infundibulum and is known to be an effective way to diagnose Fraley’s Syndrome. Ultrasound can also be done to confirm the diagnosis of Fraley’s Syndrome.
Treatment For Fraley’s Syndrome
The only treatment by far for treatment of Fraley Syndrome is an upper pole nephrectomy, which relieves the symptoms completely.
- Urology Annals. “Fraley’s Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Flank Pain.” https://www.urologyannals.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7796;year=2020;volume=12;issue=4;spage=395;epage=397;aulast=Khandelwal.
- Journal of Clinical Imaging Science. “Fraley’s Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4686835/.
- Radiopaedia. “Fraley Syndrome.” https://radiopaedia.org/articles/fraley-syndrome.