Use of microspheres in embolization for unruptured renal angiomyolipomas

Abstract

Purpose To describe our initial experience with use of microspheres in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for unruptured sporadic renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). Materials and methods Seven consecutive patients with seven unruptured sporadic renal AMLs, 6 females and 1 male, with a median age of 45 years (range, 30–69 years), underwent TAE using microspheres between November 2016 and February 2020. We evaluated the technical success rate, complications related to the procedure, clinical success rate, and the shrinkage rate of renal AML. Technical success was defined as the completion of TAE. Clinical success was defined as presence of shrinkage of the renal AML after TAE. Results In all patients, TAE using microspheres was accomplished and technical success rate was 100% (7/7). Three patients exhibited slight pain, but it improved with only observation, and the minor complication rate was 43% (3/7) and major complication rate was 0% (0/7). After the TAE, shrinkage of renal AML was confirmed in 6 of 7 patients, and clinical success rate was 86% (6/7). The median of shrinkage rate was 47% (range, 26–83%) with a median follow-up period of 19 months (range, 4–30 months). Conclusion TAE using microspheres appears to be effective and safe for unruptured sporadic renal AMLs.