Radiologic and Clinical Results of Transarterial Ethanol Embolization for Renal Angiomyolipoma

Objective: We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization for renal angiomyolipoma (AML) using ethanol alone or ethanol with additional embolic materials and to analyze the factors influencing safety and efficacy.

Methods: One hundred nineteen AMLs treated with embolization were included retrospectively during a 15-year period. Technical, radiologic, and clinical success were recorded and risk factor analysis was performed. Complications on follow-up images, post-embolization syndrome (PES), major complications, and changes in renal function were also evaluated.

Results: Technical success was achieved in 106 of 119 tumors. Tumor size significantly decreased after treatment (reduction rate: 55%). Significant risk factors for tumor reduction included tumor enhancement on preprocedural CT and residual tumor staining. Radiologic success was achieved in 114 of 119 tumors (risk factor: residual tumor staining), and clinical success was achieved in 22 of 23 patients. Complications on follow-up images occurred in 40 of 119 tumors, and PES occurred in 53 of 104 patients. No major complications occurred. There were no cases of renal function impairment.

Conclusion: Selective transarterial embolization using ethanol alone or ethanol with additional embolic materials reduced AML size, alleviated symptoms, and can be performed safely without permanent impairment.

Key Points: • Percutaneous transarterial ethanol embolization reduces AML size and alleviates symptoms. • Embolization can be performed safely without permanent impairment of renal function.