Percutaneous embolization of iatrogenic arterial kidney injuries: safety, efficacy, and impact on blood pressure and renal function

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous renal artery embolization (RAE) of iatrogenic vascular kidney injuries and the effects of RAE on renal function and arterial blood pressure (BP).

Materials and methods: Over a 12-year period, 50 consecutive patients with severe hemorrhage after iatrogenic arterial kidney injuries underwent RAE. Technical success was defined as occlusion of the bleeding site, and clinical success was defined as complete bleeding cessation. The effects on renal function and arterial BP were assessed by comparing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), renal function stage (National Kidney Foundation scale), systolic BP, and BP stage (European Society of Hypertension classification) before and after RAE.

Results: RAE was technically successful in 49 patients (98%). Two patients were lost to follow-up after RAE. Clinical success was obtained in 40 (83%), 45 (94%), and 47 patients (98%), respectively, at 24, 48, and 96 hours after RAE. Three patients (6%) had minor complications, and one patient (2%) died within 30 days after RAE. Follow-up renal function data (mean, 4 mo) were available for 33 patients (66%). No statistically significant differences in eGFR (P = .186) or renal function stage (P = .183) were apparent after RAE. Follow-up BP data (mean, 3 mo) were available for 28 patients (56%). There were no significant differences in systolic BP (P = .233) or BP stage (P = .745) after RAE.

Conclusions: Embolization of iatrogenic renal artery injuries is safe and associated with high technical and clinical success rates. It is not associated with a significant worsening of renal function or increase in BP.