Endovascular intervention in renovascular disease: a pictorial review

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a narrowing of the renal arteries, often associated with renovascular hypertension and an increased risk of renal insufficiency. Atherosclerotic RAS constitutes 90 % of RAS cases, increasing in prevalence in patients with diabetes, hypertension, aortoiliac occlusive disease, and coronary artery disease, as well as with age [1]. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) accounts for fewer than 10 % of RAS cases. FMD occurs nine times more frequently in females than in males [2], tending to affect women aged 15 to 50 [1].

Numerous physiologic and imaging-based modalities exist for the evaluation of patients with clinical suspicion of RAS [1]. Generally, noninvasive evaluations by duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomographic angiography (CTA) serve as initial diagnostic tools [1]. Subsequent catheter-based angiography permits confirmation of the RAS, aetiology, extent of intrarenal vascular disease, as well as intervention planning [1, 2]. Contrast medium must be used cautiously in patients with renal failure given the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Digital subtraction techniques may decrease the required contrast volume, thereby minimising impact on renal function [1].

RAS resulting from atherosclerotic disease typically involves the ostium and proximal third of the main renal artery (Fig. 1a). FMD refers to a collection of vascular diseases of the intima, media (90 %), and adventitia (periarterial) [1]. RAS secondary to medial FMD is characterised by a beaded, aneurysmal appearance localised to the distal two-thirds of the renal artery and its branches (Fig. 2a), whereas intimal and periarterial FMD is commonly associated with progressive vessel dissection and thrombosis [1]. Bilateral renal artery FMD is observed in greater than 35 % of patients [2, 3].

The role of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) in the treatment of renovascular hypertension caused by RAS is debatable. While improvement or cure of hypertension is consistently shown in 70–98 % of FMD-induced hypertension cases [2], the success of atherosclerotic RAS angioplasty remains unclear. Retrospective and registry analyses have demonstrated enhanced blood pressure control and improved or stabilised renal function following RAS angioplasty [4‐6]. Despite these findings, several randomised trials have consistently failed to reflect similar clinical benefit—both with and without stenting—when compared to medical therapy alone [4, 7‐9]. Furthermore, while demonstrating no clear clinical benefit with regards to renal function, blood pressure, renal or cardiovascular events, or mortality, angioplasty carried substantial risk, including pulmonary oedema, myocardial infarction, renal embolisation, and renal artery perforation [9].

Nonetheless, many experts continue to advocate for PTRA in specific cases of RAS, such as resistant hypertension, haemodynamically significant atherosclerotic RAS (Fig. 1b), FMD-associated RAS (Fig. 2b), deteriorating renal function, bilateral atherosclerotic RAS, tight atherosclerotic RAS in a single kidney, unexplained CHF, and recurrent episodes of flash pulmonary oedema [4, 10].

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a dilatation of a segment of the renal artery exceeding one and a half times the normal diameter [11]. RAAs are relatively uncommon (prevalence <0.1 %), often identified incidentally on MRI or CT imaging studies (Fig. 3a) [12]. RAAs may be asymptomatic or progress to cause hypertension (most common finding), haematuria, and flank pain in cases of rupture [13, 14]. Classification exists on the basis of location, aetiology, and morphology of the aneurysm. The majority of RAAs are extraparenchymal, 70 % of which are saccular lesions. Fusiform and dissecting RAAs account for the remainder of extraparenchymal lesions while only 15 % of RAAs are intraparenchymal [15, 16].

True aneurysms are saccular or fusiform in morphology, encompassing all layers of the vascular wall. Generally, these lesions are secondary to underlying inherited disorders such as FMD and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [16].

Indications for therapeutic intervention of RAAs include rupture, diameter >2.0 cm, renovascular hypertension, dissection, rapid expansion on serial imaging, localised symptoms (haematuria), and distal embolisation impairing renal function [11]. While uncommon (5.6 % incidence), mortality rates from RAA rupture may be as high as 80 % [14]. Pregnancy carries a high risk of rupture—80 % in women with pre-existing RAA—and thus some studies suggest treatment of RAAs in all women of child-bearing age [14, 15, 17].

Aneurysm location, morphology, and size; branches arising; artery of involvement; condition of the artery; age; patient health; and renal function are all determinants in guiding endovascular treatment (Fig. 3b, c) [13, 16]. Table 1 outlines RAA anatomic considerations and treatment guidelines. Recent case reports and small studies have demonstrated satisfactory visceral aneurysm thrombosis and shrinkage (including RAA) by flow-diverting devices. These stents function to reduce flow velocity within the aneurysm sac and promote thrombosis while maintaining main artery and branch vessel flow [18].

Complications of the endovascular intervention in RAA include non-target embolisation (potentially resulting in renal failure or loss secondary to infarction), worsening hypertension, stent thrombus, infection, and radiation skin burns [16]. Available short-term data have demonstrated promising findings with respect to safety, successful aneurysm exclusion, and improvement in hypertension and renal dysfunction [19]. Unfortunately, studies analysing the long-term efficacy of endovascular RAA intervention are currently lacking.

Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms are periarterial haematomas resulting from a tear of the arterial wall [20]. Typically, pseudoaneurysms are acquired because of blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma, iatrogenic injury, or inflammation, and they possess subsequent potential for enlargement and/or rupture [20, 21]. These rare lesions are often saccular in appearance and may be either intraparenchymal or extraparenchymal.

Due to a propensity for severe haemorrhage, early detection and management, particularly in haemodynamically unstable patients, are essential. CT angiogram provides the mainstay in diagnosis [21]. Subsequent angiography offers the benefit of guiding the intervention, allowing for target vessel localisation and assessment of inflow and outflow vessel size prior to management.

Currently, selective coil embolisation of the affected artery is the accepted treatment modality for most intraparenchymal renal pseudoaneurysms (Fig. 4) [20, 21]. Extraparenchymal aneurysms of larger vessels may often be managed using covered stents without causing renal infarction. Studies have demonstrated endovascular management of renal artery pseudoaneurysm to be both effective and safe, rarely resulting in long-term renal impairment [21]. Complications of embolisation are similar to those discussed earlier.

Renal arteriovenous malformations (RAVMs) and renal arteriovenous fistulas (RAVFs) represent arteriovenous communications of the renal vasculature. An RAVM is a congenital network of abnormal vessels characterised as cavernous (single arterial feeder) or cirsoid (multiple arterial feeders with corkscrew appearance) in nature [16]. Large-scale autopsy studies have indicated the prevalence of RAVMs to be approximately 1 in 30,000, with cirsoid-type RAVMs occurring more frequently than cavernous types [16, 22].

An RAVF represents a direct communication between an artery and a vein [16, 23]. Greater than three-quarters of these lesions are acquired, often resulting from iatrogenic causes such as renal biopsy, percutaneous nephrostomy, or accidental trauma [16].

These renovascular abnormalities are often identified during workup for gross haematuria, flank pain, and hypertension [16]. Colour Doppler US, CT, and contrast-enhanced MRA are all useful imaging modalities in the diagnosis of these malformations (Fig. 5a, b; Fig. 6a) [16]. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrates the detailed vascular anatomy and is typically performed prior to embolisation.

Pain, persistent haematuria, cardiac failure, and hypertension are all indications for potential interventional treatment of RAVMs [16]. First-line management of RAVMs typically consists of malformation destruction and arterial occlusion with sclerosing agents such as absolute alcohol. These agents stimulate thrombus formation through toxic effects on the endothelium, arterial spasm, and perivascular necrosis [16]. Autologous clot, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin sponge, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue are also proven embolic agents in this setting [24]. Selective coil embolisation of arterial feeders may be useful in the treatment of larger RAVMs (Fig. 5c) and RAVFs as well as to rapidly decrease blood flow in acute haemorrhage (Fig. 6b) [16, 23].

Transcatheter embolisation (TCE) as treatment for RAVMs and RAVFs is considered safe and effective with studies demonstrating excellent technical success (100 %) and resolution or improvement in clinical symptoms [25, 26]. Risks include non-target infarction, toxic effects from entry of absolute alcohol into the systemic vasculature, and coil migration to non-target/venous circulation [16, 27].

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary renal malignancy, accounting for over two percent of all adult cancers [28]. Dedicated renal CT (Fig. 7a) and MRI provide optimal imaging for the characterisation of renal tumours with comparable accuracy. Ultrasound may also play a role in early investigation and characterisation of renovascular anatomy [28, 29].

Renal artery transcatheter embolisation serves a variety of roles in RCC management (Fig. 7b, c). Preoperatively, TCE is useful in devascularisation to ease surgical resection and minimise blood loss. In the palliative setting, RCC TCE may provide symptom relief from haematuria and flank pain through reduction of tumour size [28, 30]. Technical success may be achieved with a variety of embolic agents. Ethanol, polyvinyl alcohol, and embospheres are often used for renal parenchyma capillary occlusion with subsequent coil embolisation of the main renal artery and any extrarenal feeding vessels [30]. Controversy exists regarding the long-term benefit of pre-operative embolisation with one study reporting increased 5-year survival benefit over patients who undergo nephrectomy alone [31, 32], while others demonstrated no long-term survival benefit [31, 33].

The most prevalent benign renal tumour is angiomyolipoma (AML), which is composed of fat, vascular, and smooth muscle elements [28]. These benign lesions carry an incidence of 0.02–0.3 % and occur in up to two-thirds of tuberous sclerosis patients [34]. A combination of hypervascularity and inherent vessel weakness in AML leaves these tumours prone to pseudoaneurysm formation and subsequent haemorrhage [28]. Commonly used embolic agents for these lesions include microcoils, nonresorbable particles (polyvinyl alcohol, embospheres), and ethanol [30]. Embolisation by liquid embolic/sclerosing agents, such as ethanol, has been found to be particularly effective in the management of large (>4 cm) AML tumours as well as those associated with haemorrhage or haemodynamic instability (Fig. 8) [28, 30]. Technically, selective TCE is successful in up to 90 % of cases with function preservation in nearly all patients [35]. Despite therapy, however, tumour recurrence may be as high as 30 % [36].

Post-embolisation syndrome—consisting of flank pain, fever, nausea or vomiting, and leukocytosis 24–72 h post-procedure—is the most common complication following TCE, occurring in over 90 % of patients and generally resolving with conservative symptomatic management [30]. Less frequently, coil migration, non-target embolisation, and impairment of renal function may occur following TCE.

Renovascular injury is relatively uncommon, the majority of cases resulting from blunt trauma or iatrogenic causes [37]. Three-quarters of traumatic renal artery injuries are minor (contusions or superficial lacerations), requiring only conservative management [31].

Renovascular injury secondary to trauma may result in haemorrhage, devascularisation, or urinary tract laceration. Regardless of the suspected injury, CT with intravenous contrast enhancement is the test of choice in the evaluation and diagnosis of renovascular trauma [31]. Occasionally, emergent angiography with embolisation in major renal vascular disruption may be both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Therapeutic management is implemented in cases of high-grade injuries, including those involving persistent haemorrhage and/or haemodynamic instability. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial as prolonged periods (>3 h) of renal ischaemia may result in severe tubular necrosis and renal dysfunction [31]. In these instances, coil embolisation with the aim of decreasing or arresting haemorrhage is the principle means of therapy (Fig. 9). With embolisation, care should be taken to minimise or avoid nontarget infarction and preserve renal function by selectively targeting the injured vasculature. Entire-organ embolisation by Gelfoam, particles or vascular plugs is generally reserved for cases of trauma to non-functioning kidney [38].

Haemorrhage control by embolisation has been shown to be successful in 84–100 % of renal trauma cases [31, 38]. As outlined earlier, complications from embolisation include renal infarction, iatrogenic vascular injury, and post-embolisation syndrome [38].

Renal artery dissection, avulsion, or laceration secondary to trauma may result in devascularisation. Traumatic dissection develops secondary to intimal tearing and subsequent thrombus formation. Endovascular stenting can be used to restore arterial flow in these cases. Nephrectomy or early surgical vascular reconstruction is avulsion and laceration given propensity for significant haemorrhage [29].

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms, AVFs, arteriocalyceal fistulas, and urinomas are rare lesions that may also develop secondary to renal trauma. Arteriocalyceal fistulas often present as either gross or persistent haematuria following penetrating trauma or iatrogenic injury to vascular and collecting systems. These lesions are typically amenable to selective renal artery embolisation [27].

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as “blood pressure that remains above goal in spite of concurrent use of three antihypertensive agents of different classes” or hypertension requiring four or more medications for effective management [39]. RH affects 9 % of all hypertensive patients and 13 % of those receiving antihypertensive therapy [40]. These patients are at an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Various factors, including renal artery stenosis, have been implicated in the development of RH. Physiologically, RH has been associated with elevated activity in both the efferent and afferent renal sympathetic nerves. Fittingly, renal denervation is an emerging endovascular treatment modality in the management of this disease [41, 42].

The denervation procedure implements the delivery of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation through the main renal artery. Thermal energy generated in this process acts to effectively disrupt the sympathetic nerves in the adventitia, thus decreasing vascular tone. While studies are ongoing, suggested indications for renal denervation include patients with uncontrolled systolic BP (>160 mmHg; >150 mmHg in diabetics) despite optimised lifestyle factors and antihypertensive medications (>3 synergistic drugs) [43].

Studies comparing the effectiveness of renal sympathetic denervation to standard medical therapy have demonstrated contradictory results. Early nonrandomised studies and randomised, unblinded trials have shown significant blood pressure reduction in denervation patients (BP reduction of 33/11 mmHg at 6 months) with no evidence of decline in kidney function, renal artery stenosis, or aneurysmal dilatation [41, 42]. A more recent blinded, randomised trial that incorporated a sham control procedure and a significantly larger patient population did not demonstrate a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure at 6-month follow-up [44].