Bruised Kidney Symptoms

Although the kidneys occupy a protected area toward the back of the abdomen, these vital organs remain subject to traumatic injury. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other high-force trauma to the abdomen or back can cause kidney injury. A significant blow may cause a kidney bruise, an injury characterized by bleeding within the kidney. Recognizing the symptoms of a bruised kidney can aid in the diagnosis and early treatment of this serious injury.

Abdominal or Flank Pain

Abdominal pain commonly occurs with a bruised kidney. Because a kidney injury often occurs along with other traumatic abdominal injuries, there may be pain throughout the abdomen. For example, liver and spleen injuries frequently accompany traumatic kidney injuries. In cases of isolated kidney injury, there is often pain in the flank area, between the upper edge of the hip and the lower rib cage. Skin bruising over the back or abdomen and seat belt marks across the body indicate a high-force injury, which raises the level of suspicion for a possible kidney injury.

Abdominal or Flank Tenderness

Lacerated Kidney Symptoms

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People with a bruised kidney may exhibit abdominal or flank tenderness on physical examination. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as a CT scan of the abdomen and an abdominal ultrasound, often prove necessary in people with a traumatic abdominal injury. Imaging tests reveal damage to the various organs and the extent of each injury. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma kidney injury scale, kidney bruising represents a grade I or grade II injury 2. On CT scan, kidney bruising appears as a collection of blood -- a hematoma -- within the kidney or surrounding the organ.

Blood in the Urine

Blood in the urine is an important and reliable indicator of blunt kidney injury. Large amounts of blood cause red to brown urine coloration. Smaller amounts of blood typically lead to a noticeable pink tinge to the urine. In some cases, blood in the urine may be detectable only through use of laboratory testing. Bleeding within the kidney may also lead to the passage of small blood clots in the urine. Although a kidney bruise is the least severe form of kidney trauma, it is a serious injury 2. Treatment involves strict bed rest until kidney bleeding resolves, as evidenced by the absence of blood in the urine.

Medical Care

Symptoms of a Bruised Bladder

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Anyone who has been involved in a significant accident or fall, or has sustained a high-force blow to the flank requires medical evaluation. Kidney injuries as well as other abdominal injuries may not cause immediate symptoms but can quickly evolve. Kidney bruises often heal without causing permanent damage, but medical monitoring is necessary to ensure a complication does not develop.

Reviewed by: Tina M. St. John, M.D.