Renal artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon vascular finding, with the majority occuring after a renal intervention.
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Pathology
A renal artery pseudoaneurysm differs from a renal artery true aneurysm (as might occur in fibromuscular dysplasia) in that it does not involve all three layers of the arterial wall, but rather involves an outpouching through one or more layers of the wall.
Renal artery pseudoaneuryms occur most commonly following an intervention, such as partial nephrectomy or percutaneous nephrostomy. A pseudoaneurysm may complicate renal transplantation. Rarely, they may occur from infection (possibly after renal artery stent placement).
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
focal dilatation of the renal artery
if large, there may be a yin-yang swirling within the pseudoaneurysm
CT/MRI
focal dilatation of the renal artery on a contrast-enhanced study
Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
abnormal well-defined saccular outpouching off the renal artery during a selective renal artery angiogram
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment decisions are individualized to the patient; women who plan to become pregnant are considered to be at higher risk. If large (>2 cm), asymptomatic, and a branch vessel it can be treated with coil embolization 4 (although aneurysms smaller than 2 cm have ruptured). Main renal artery pseudoaneurysms may require a stent or surgical ligation.
If symptomatic, more aggressive therapy may be indicated, including surgery.