Efficacy of Renal Artery Embolization using a Mixture of Histoacryl® and Lipiodol in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the efficacy and computed tomography (CT) findings of renal artery embolization with using a mixture of HistoacrylR and lipiodol in rabbit depending on the mixture proportions and the temporal course. Materials and Methods: Eighteen rabbits were equally divided into two groups: group A received a 1:3 mixture and group B received a 1:5 mixture of HistoacrylR and lipiodol. We subdivided each group as follows: the 1-day group, the 10-day group and the 20-day group according to the elapsed days after embolization, respectively. As a result, the experimental groups were composed of six subgroups. Afterright renal artery embolizations, plain abdominal radiographs were obtained from all the rabbits. On the first day, the 10th day and the 20th day after embolization, abdominal CT was performed in each subgroup. Results: On the post-embolization radiographs, the embolic casts were formed only at the main or segmental renal arteries in 7 cases of group A. On the other hand, the embolic casts were formed at the entire arterial trees in two cases of group A and all the cases of group B. On the precontrast-enhanced CT scans, there were radiopaque densities of embolic casts, residual lipiodol flecks and calcifications in the embolized kidneys. On the contrast-enhanced CT scans, global perfusion defects of the kidneys were noted in 17 rabbits. The cortical rim signs were noted in all rabbits of the 10-day and 20-day groups, except for one rabbit. Conclusions: The mixture of HistoacrylR and lipiodol is effective for renal artery embolization. The CT findings of the embolized kidneys are characteristic depending on the mixture proportions of the embolic agents and the temporal courses. (Korean J Urol 2007;48:903-909)