Traumatic renal artery occlusion

Six cases of complete occlusion of the main renal artery and one case of incomplete renal artery occlusion secondary to blunt abdominal trauma are reported, and the literature reviewed. The reported cases are analyzed as to clinical and radiographic findings, and mechanism of injury. Left renal artery occlusion occurs due to intimal fracture secondary to deceleration forces on the abdomen. Right renal artery occlusion results from direct epigastric trauma and compression of the artery against the vertebral column. An intravenous urogram with nonvisualization of the affected kidney should lead to immediate angiography. Arteriography is diagnostic, showing abrupt occlusion of the renal artery several centimeters beyond its origin, or before occlusion, an intimal flap.