Embolization of Renal Hemorrhage in Pregnancy

Abstract

Selective embolization in pregnancy for treatment of renal hemorrhage has been reported infrequently in the literature; the possibility of minimizing radiation dose to the fetus by using dose-sparing fluoroscopy techniques is not commonly appreciated by the obstetric community. We describe performing partial renal embolization with the use of all available radiation dose-sparing techniques. The patient had no further complications, and she and her newborn were well postpartum. A dose reconstruction indicated that the fetal dose from the procedure was less than 5 mGy. When faced with a symptomatic renal hemorrhage in pregnancy, a renal angiogram and embolization by an experienced interventional radiologist are effective treatment options that can be performed with minimal fetal radiation risk.