Falciparum malaria: an uncommon cause of acute renal failure in Saudi Arabia: a case report and review

A successfully treated case of severe falciparum malaria presenting with acute renal failure (ARF) and jaundice, is reported. Despite the fact that ARF is a common complication of severe falciparum infection, there has been no report of such a complication from Saudi Arabia up to the present time. Discussion on the pathophysiology of renal lesions and treatment is presented. High index of suspicion is required in non endemic areas for malaria, for rapid and correct diagnosis and treatment of a treatable otherwise fatal condition.