Endovascular Embolization versus Observation of Congenital Renal Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Study

This study retrospectively compared outcomes associated with endovascular embolization to those with observation in patients with congenital renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Chart and imaging review of patients at a single center with congenital renal AVM was performed. Patient demographics, Yakes classification, renal vessel size, and presenting symptoms were recorded. Procedural imaging and follow-up data were analyzed to identify adverse events, complications, and potential advantages of embolization over observation. Eighteen patients had congenital renal AVM, 11 were observed and 7 underwent transarterial embolization. There was a significantly greater number of patients with complications related to AVM in the observation group compared with patients with adverse events in the embolization group (P = .015). This included 2 observed patients with AVM rupture requiring nephrectomy, both of whom had Type I AVM. Endovascular embolization should be considered for all patients with congenital renal AVM. Specifically, Yakes Type I AVM may deserve special consideration for intervention.