Severe bilateral renal artery stenosis after transluminal radiofrequency ablation of renal sympathetic nerve plexus

Abstract

Percutaneous renal sympathetic denervation is an evolving therapy for resistant hypertension. Evidence to date demonstrates a reduction of blood pressure in the short term to medium term. Reported complications relate to problems with vascular access vessels and dissection of the renal artery. Renal artery stenosis has not been described in the literature. We present a patient with hypertensive crisis, flash pulmonary edema, and deterioration of renal function, secondary to bilateral renal artery stenosis, 9 months after renal sympathetic radiofrequency ablation denervation.