Direct percutaneous embolization of renal pseudoaneurysm

ABSTRACT

To describe and evaluate a novel method of direct ultrasound [US] guided percutaneous embolization of renal pseudoaneurysm. Elevn patients with severe hematuria were included in this study during the period from February 2005 to February 2006. They included five patients with penetrating renal trauma, two patients post-renal biopsy and four patients after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Diagnostic duplex US of the pseudoaneurysm was performed. The size of the pseudoaneurysm and its neck were determined. A solution of Gelfoam particles was prepared in sterile saline solution and under US guidance, the tip of the needle was inserted into the aneurysm and slowly Gelfoam particles solution was injected. During the injection of Gelfoam, the pseudoaneurysm initially filled with an echo genic thrombus, decreasing thereby the color flow detected by US. The needle was removed when no flow in the pseudoaneurysm was detectable. The patient was kept for 30 minutes in the department and then discharged home. Follow up by color Doppler US every 2 to 4 weeks. In 10 patients bleeding was effectively controlled with direct embolization in a single session and did not need any further intervention, while one patient needed endovascular embolization due to recurrent severe hematuria after 24 hours. The amount of the injected Gelfoamn particles [1-2 mm diameter] was from 1 to 3 ml, according to the size of the pseudoaneurysm. No complication was observed secondary to embolization procedure. Re-bleeding did not occur in any patient during their follow-up period that ranged from 3-12 months. Direct ultrasound guided percutaneous embolization of renal pseudoanureysm is a new method for treating renal pseudoaneurysm. It avoids the side effects of contrast media, hazards of irradiation and complications of angiographic catheterization. Moreover, it saves the patient the risk of surgical interference to control bleeding by partial or total nephrectomy specially in patients with solitary kidney. it has been proved to be a rapid, effective, feasible, tissue preserving, and likely to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is recommended to be a first line of treatment of actively bleeding renal pseudoaneurysms