A rare case report of renal vein embolization after failed selective angioembolization to treat delayed complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been considered the standard procedure for renal caliculi for its safety, shorter operative time, and cost-effectivity. Despite being minimally invasive, rare complications may still occur. This case presented a rare case of renal venous pseudoaneurysm after PCNL.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with left lower calyx renal stone sized 14x13x8 mm with 388-571 Hounsfield Unit (HU). He underwent left mini PCNL with standard protocol. However, on two-weeks follow-up, gross haematuria was presented on emergency department admission. Patient underwent two times cystoscopy and blood clot evacuation. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT showed saccular lesion sized 6.7 mm × 4.8 mm in the interlobar vein of left kidneys' lower pole. Patient was then consulted to Cardiothoracic-Vascular division, and undergone selective angiography and left renal artery embolization-coiling (VortX Diamond-18). Complaints and haemoglobin decline persists; thus, another attempt of embolization was performed with a different approach. Follow-up arteriography and venography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm sac, followed by cessation of symptoms. This study is reported in line with SCARE criteria.

DISCUSSION

This is a rare case where a second embolization attempt (specifically via vein) was needed to overcome PCNL postoperative complication. Reviewing vascular complications risk factors after PCNL is crucial. This case report suggests complication management could be handled appropriately through procedures of selective angiography and embolization.

CONCLUSION

Coil embolization targeting the vein is a potentially effective and safe for selective cases of renal vein pseudoaneurysm. This case shows the importance of multidisciplinary approach and collaboration for better patient management.