Snuff box radial access in transcatheter arterial embolization for unruptured renal angiomyolipoma

Abstract

Objective

We report the first three cases in which the feasibility and safety of the left snuff box radial access in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for unruptured renal angiomyolipoma (AML) were evaluated.

Material and methods

Three patients with unruptured renal AMLs underwent TAE via the left snuff box radial artery. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of the AMLs, technical success rate, clinical success rate, and complications. Technical success and clinical success were defined as successful insertions of microballoon catheters selectively via the left distal radial artery into all intended arteries in a treatment session and shrinkage of tumor size as evaluated by CT or MRI after the procedure, respectively.

Results

The median size of the renal AMLs was 49 mm. TAE was successfully performed in all cases and all feeding arteries were successfully selected with a microballoon catheter through the left snuff box radial artery. The median amount of the mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol was 1.8 mL. Tumor shrinkage was confirmed in all with a median follow-up period of 6 months. The clinical success rate was 100%. No major complications occurred.

Conclusion

The left snuff box access in TAE for an unruptured renal AML is safe and feasible.

Keywords:

• Anatomical snuff box
• distal radial artery
• interventional radiology
• renal angiomyolipoma
• snuff box radial access

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Mayura Nakano of the Department of Urology, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, for their help in patient management; and Dr. Kazunobu Hashida, Dr. and Dr. Satoshi Suda of the Department of Radiology, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, Tokai University School of Medicine, for continuing support and encouragement.

Declaration of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.