Renal infarction with absolute ethanol.

Selective renal artery catheterization was undertaken in a series of mongrel dogs. Absolute ethanol was injected on a dose/weight ratio. Venous blood ethanol levels were monitored. Pre- and postprocedure angiography was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection. The dogs were subsequently sacrificed and pathologic examination performed. Renal infarction was produced in all animals. Systemic blood alcohol levels remained consistently below established criteria of toxic levels. No evidence of vascular damage in systemic arteries distal to the renal artery was found. Absolute ethanol is apparently a safe and effective method of producing permanent renal infarction.