Transcatheter embolization of biopsy-related vascular injury in the transplant kidney: immediate and long-term outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of transcatheter embolization for treatment of biopsy-related vascular injury in renal allografts, specifically evaluating technical success, clinical benefit, and long-term effect on renal function.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of all postbiopsy renal allograft vascular injuries referred for embolization during a 113-month period. The likelihood of a prolonged detrimental effect on allograft function was estimated from observed variation in serum creatinine levels before and after the procedure.


RESULTS
Embolic therapy with use of metallic coils and superselective technique was performed in 21 renal transplant patients. Technical success was achieved in 95% of cases. There were no serious complications. Eradication of the clinical sign or symptom prompting referral was seen in 15 of 17 (88%) patients. Eleven of 19 (58%) patients analyzed demonstrated no evidence of a long-term detrimental effect on allograft function. A detrimental effect was possibly present in six of 19 (32%) patients, and probable in only two of 19 (10%) patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Transcatheter embolization can be an appropriate and effective therapeutic choice for biopsy-related renal allograft vascular injury.
Perini
S
S
Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, Interventional Radiology, 94143-0628, USA.
Gordon
R L
RL
LaBerge
J M
JM
Kerlan
R K
RK
Wilson
M W
MW
Feng
S
S
Ring
E J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000792:Angiography; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D012082:Renal Veins / Q000293:injuries*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003404:Creatinine