Embolization of renal hemorrhage in pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Feb;121(2 Pt 2 Suppl 1):480-3. doi: 10.1097/aog.0b013e31827c31f2.

Abstract

Background: Selective embolization in pregnancy for treatment of renal hemorrhage has been reported infrequently in the literature; the possibility of minimizing radiation dose to the fetus by using dose-sparing fluoroscopy techniques is not commonly appreciated by the obstetric community.

Case: We describe performing partial renal embolization with the use of all available radiation dose-sparing techniques. The patient had no further complications, and she and her newborn were well postpartum. A dose reconstruction indicated that the fetal dose from the procedure was less than 5 mGy.

Conclusion: When faced with a symptomatic renal hemorrhage in pregnancy, a renal angiogram and embolization by an experienced interventional radiologist are effective treatment options that can be performed with minimal fetal radiation risk.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / therapy*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiography, Interventional / methods