Endovascular Embolization versus Observation of Congenital Renal Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

This study retrospectively compared outcomes associated with endovascular embolization to those with observation in patients with congenital renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Chart and imaging review of patients at a single center with congenital renal AVM was performed. Patient demographics, Yakes classification, renal vessel size, and presenting symptoms were recorded. Procedural imaging and follow-up data were analyzed to identify adverse events, complications, and potential advantages of embolization over observation. Eighteen patients had congenital renal AVM, 11 were observed and 7 underwent transarterial embolization. There was a significantly greater number of patients with complications related to AVM in the observation group compared with patients with adverse events in the embolization group (P = .015). This included 2 observed patients with AVM rupture requiring nephrectomy, both of whom had Type I AVM. Endovascular embolization should be considered for all patients with congenital renal AVM. Specifically, Yakes Type I AVM may deserve special consideration for intervention.