RENAL-ARTERY ANEURYSMS

Renal artery aneurysms, previously considered to be rare, have been diagnosed more frequently in recent years mainly due to the extensive use of angiography. Fifty-six patients with 67 aneurysms were evaluated, 5 of these were dissecting aneurysms. Most cases were manifestations of medial hyperplasia or atherosclerosis of the renal arteries. Symptomatology is not pathognomonic. Expanding aneurysm, intractable hypertension, hematuria, and renal infarction represent the most common indications for surgical repair. Reconstruction and repair of these aneurysms, with preservation of the kidney, is the preferred treatment. Surgery was performed on 17 patients (30 %): 14 patients had primary repair, while 3 patients underwent nephrectomy for associated carcinoma and end-stage kidney disease. Temporary occlusion of the renal artery with hypothermic perfusion allows surgical repair safely to both patient and kidney. Autotransplantation into the ipsilateral iliac fossa was employed for dissecting aneurysms after resection and repair of the diseased segment. Nine of 12 hypertensive patients required no treatment for hypertension following aneurysmal repair, while 3 patients had improved control.