Tikkakoski T, Leppänen M, Turunen J, Anderson S, Södervik H
Department of Radiology, Keski-Pohjanmaa Central Hospital, Kokkola, Finland.
Acta Radiol. 2001 Jan;42(1):80-3.
To retrospectively evaluate renal ethanol embolization in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome.
Three kidneys in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome were embolized with absolute ethanol. The embolization technique, patient outcome and complications were analyzed retrospectively.
The treatment was successful in both patients, with angiography-verified exclusion of blood flow to the renal arteries. Elimination of proteinuria was achieved in both patients and their body weight decreased by 25 and 10 kg, respectively. Hospitalization and protein substitution were no longer needed. No complications occurred.
Permanent bilateral ethanol embolization of the renal arteries is a feasible method of managing a treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome in selected patients. Non-target embolization can be avoided by using a balloon occlusion catheter.
