Elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in renal infarction.

The diagnostic value of a strikingly elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in association with only small or no increases in SGOT and alkaline phosphatase levels was noted in five patients with proved renal infarction. Four had renal artery embolism and infarction in association with atrial arrhythmias; one had an acute extension of an abdominal aortic aneurysm occluding the renal artery. Other causes of a considerable isolated increase in the serum LDH level such as hemolysis and myocardial infarction can usually be easily excluded.