Therapeutic angioinfarction of renal carcinoma: CT follow-up

Computed tomographic findings in nine patients after renal tumor embolization are reported. All tumors were ablated using absolute alcohol, Gelfoam particles, and occlusion coils. A rim of peripheral enhancement surrounding a central low density area presumed to represent the necrotic infarcted tumor was a constant CT appearance. Intratumoral gas was seen in three patients, persisting for up to 6 months, with eventual resolution. Mild postinfarction syndrome was experienced in all patients. The exact role of preoperative or palliative renal embolization is still controversial, but if the procedure is performed, the natural course of the neoplasm can be best evaluated and followed by serial CT scans.