Surgical repair of renal artery aneurysms

The pathogenesis of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) is degenerative, which eventually leads to weakening of the vessel wall and, in extreme cases, rupture. RAAs are a rare occurrence. Patients generally are asymptomatic, with a small number presenting with uncontrollable hypertension or hematuria. Most RAAs are discovered incidentally on imaging and do not pose an immediate health threat. However, the risk of rupture is an indication for prophylactic repair in certain patients. Interest in interventional radiologic procedures in the management of RAAs has recently increased; however, open repair should still be considered in select instances. In this case series, we present three patients for whom an open approach was indicated and performed.