Imaging features of idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula and its interventional embolotherapy: an analysis of 4 cases

Objective: To explore the imaging features of idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula and to discuss its interventional embolotherapy. Methods: A total of 4 cases with CTA- and angiography-proved idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula were enrolled in this study. Selective renal artery embolization with spring coils and Gelfoam particles was carried out in all the 4 patients. All the patients were followed up to check the results. Results: After interventional embolotherapy, the abnormal vascular mass and the venous shunting disappeared completely in all the 4 patients. Most renal parenchyma was well visualized on angiography. The blood pressure and renal function showed no obvious changes after the treatment. No hematuresis occurred during follow-up period. Conclusion: Both renal CTA and selective renal arteriography can provide correct diagnosis of idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula, providing important information for interventional embolotherapy. For the treatment of idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula, interventional embolotherapy is minimally-invasive and safe with reliable effect and fewer complications, besides, this technique can reserve the renal function to the greatest possible advantage. (authors)