Post-biopsy haematuria successfully treated by selective transcatheter epinephrine injection

Abstract

Transcatheter arterial embolization to control renal haemorrhage is now being used with increasing frequency, particularly in those patients suffering from post-biopsy renal bleeding. An infarct may be an undesirable outcome which may be very important in a patient who already has a poorly functioning or non-functioning kidney. This article describes the successful control of such haemorrhage by transcatheter injection of epinephrine directly into the injured artery. This technique is recommended as an alternative to embolization in patients with impaired renal function or when super selective catheterization of the injured vessel is not possible.