Step 1: Causes of renal vein thrombosis (RVT). RVT is associated with trauma, extrinsic compression (lymph nodes, aneurysm), invasion by renal cell carcinoma, dehydration (especially in infants), nephrotic syndrome, and pregnancy or oral contraceptive use.
Step 2: Why nephrotic syndrome matters. Nephrotic syndrome causes urinary loss of antithrombin III and a hypercoagulable state, making it a classic and strong association with RVT. Trauma and dehydration are also recognised precipitants.
Step 3: Why option (b) is the exception. Sickle cell disease classically causes renal papillary necrosis and microvascular sickling, not large renal vein thrombosis. It is not in the standard list of RVT causes, so it is the odd one out.
Step 4: Conclusion. The correct answer is option (b), sickle cell anemia.