Percutaneous transcatheter renal embolization with absolute ethanol for uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome - Case reports

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate renal ethanol embolization in 2 patien ts with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome. Material and Methods: Three kidneys in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrot ic syndrome were embolized with absolute ethanol. The embolization techniqu e, patient outcome and complications were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The treatment was successful in both patients, with angiography ve rified exclusion of blood flow to the renal arteries. Elimination of protei nuria was achieved in both patients and their body weight decreased by 25 a nd 10 kg, respectively. Hospitalization and protein substitution were no lo nger needed. No complications occurred. Conclusion: Permanent bilateral ethanol embolization of the renal arteries is a feasible method of managing a treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome i n selected patients. Non-target embolization can be avoided by using a ball oon occlusion catheter.