Renal aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

Marco Cura, Fadi Elmerhi, Alejandro Bugnogne, Raul Palacios, Rajeev Suri, Timothy Dalsaso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms are abnormal dilatations of the vessel lumen. Pseudoaneurysm is a perfused hematoma contained by the adventitia and perivascular tissues that is in communication with the lumen of an adjacent artery or vein. Aneurysm is a dilatation of the vessel lumen involving all three layers of the blood vessel wall. Renal artery aneurysms (RAA) are uncommon but the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging and incidental detection of RAA may result in an increasing number of cases diagnosed. Renal artery pseudoaneurysms are suspected in bleeding patients after penetrating renal trauma. Imaging plays a major role in the detection of renal pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms and diagnoses aneurysm rupture and active bleeding. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and digital subtraction angiography can characterize lesion size, shape, and location and identify other aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, helping to narrow the differential diagnosis and to understand the vascular anatomy for guiding proper treatment. Endovascular treatments have contributed considerably in the management of renal pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms. The use of coil embolization or covered stent placement prevents the mortality and mobility of surgery. The article describes imaging features and the endovascular therapies to treat these vascular processes and their possible complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-41
Number of pages13
JournalClinical Imaging
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Aneurysm
  • Embolization
  • Kidney
  • Pseudoaneurysm
  • Rupture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Renal aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this