Embolization of renal angiomyolipoma in pregnancy: case report

Background: Renal angiomyolipoma is a rare benign tumour composed of adipose tissue, blood vessels and smooth muscles. However it can locally grow to a great size and its numerous blood vessels may cause major bleeding requiring immediate intervention. Case: At 20th week of pregnancy a previously healthy 26-year old pregnant woman with an episode of sudden and severe pain in the left flank followed by fainting was diagnosed with a bleeding tumour of the left kidney. The diagnosis was based on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diagnostic angiography was followed by selective embolization of the tumour blood vessels. At 38th week of pregnancy elective caesarean section was performed and after the puerperium the tumour was resected. Conclusion: Embolization of renal angiomyolipoma bleeding vessels during pregnancy can be an effective therapeutic approach protecting against further bleeding and haemorrhagic shock thereby obviating the need to perform urgent surgery and allowing the woman to carry her pregnancy to term safely in outpatient setting.