[Revascularization of occluded renal arteries. A case]

After recent treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a 62-year old woman with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension was admitted for oliguric acute renal failure due to bilateral renal artery lesions (right stenosis and left thrombosis). Hemodialysis was instituted. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the right renal artery did not improve the patient's condition, whereas left renal PTA, three weeks after admission, restored diuresis and renal function, allowing hemodialysis to be discontinued. This case underlines the capacity of functional recovery after late recanalization of a totally occluded renal artery. The best outcome predictor is the development of a collateral circulation and the visualization of distal renal arteries at arteriography. The kidney can be recanalized by surgery or PTA.