Incidental renal artery pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous native renal biopsy

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 25:2013:bcr2012006537. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006537.

Abstract

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that is often difficult to diagnose. Rarely, it can occur as a complication associated with a percutaneous renal biopsy procedure. The clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic lesions found incidentally on imaging studies to a mass causing high blood pressure, pain, haematuria and rupture. Although the risk of rupture is considered low, RAP is associated with a high death rate if ruptured. Currently, with the aid of high-quality interventional radiology, this challenging pathology can be effectively treated. In this report, we describe a case of RAP that was incidentally discovered 4 years after percutaneous renal biopsy which was successfully treated with selective angiographic embolisation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / diagnosis
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, False / therapy
  • Biopsy / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / diagnostic imaging
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Artery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography