[Spasm of the renal and digestive arteries. Radiologic aspect]

Spasms of the mesenteric and renal arteries are of great concern to the radiologist specialized in angiography. In most cases, they appear to be of iatrogenic origin, due to difficulties in selective catheterization and especially in superselective catheterization of the mesenteric and renal arteries. In this case, spasm may be a most unwelcome side-effect. In other less frequent cases, spasms appear as indirect signs of an underlying spasmogenic disease, such as G. I. tract carcinoid, pheochromocytoma, pancreatitis or poisoning such as ergotism or digitalis overdosage. Most of all, it may occur during some non-occlusive intestinal ischemias. On the other hand, spasm can be considered as a way of treatment, especially in cases of G. I. bleeding, particularly due to ulcerations.