Traumatic occlusion of the renal artery: helical CT diagnosis

Eight patients with traumatic occlusion of the renal artery were retrospectively reviewed to assess the diagnostic contribution of helical CT and to determine whether the information it provides can replace angiographic data in patient evaluations.

We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of eight patients with renal artery occlusion caused by blunt abdominal trauma. All patients were scanned using a helical protocol that included an 8-mm collimation with a 1:1 pitch and a monophasic IV injection of iodinated contrast material. The timing of the imaging studies, the type of surgical treatment, and the patient outcome were tabulated. Evaluated data included the location of the occlusion as depicted by helical CT and angiography, whether a CT nephrogram was obtained, the presence of a peripheral rim effect, and the nature of associated injuries.

Helical CT revealed occlusion of a main renal artery in seven patients and obstruction of a main branch in one patient. In all cases the occlusion occurred within the proximal 2 cm of the renal artery. In five patients, the findings were depicted equally well by helical CT and angiography. In two patients, the helical CT findings were confirmed by surgery and autopsy, respectively. Significant associated injuries were revealed in seven patients. The CT nephrogram was absent in seven patients and partially present in one patient. The peripheral rim effect was seen in six patients.

Basic contrast-enhanced helical CT can reliably reveal traumatic occlusion of the renal artery and depict the level of obstruction.