Renal Artery Aneurysm

A renal artery aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery to the kidney. Most of these aneurysms are small (less than two centimeters, or about three-quarters of an inch) and without symptoms. Renal artery aneurysms are uncommon, and are generally discovered during diagnostic procedures performed in relation to other conditions.

Renal artery aneurysm symptoms

• Generally asymptomatic
• Hypertension may be present in up to 90 percent of persons with a renal artery aneurysm
• Dissecting aneurysms (caused by a tear in the inner layer of the artery wall) may cause flank pain and blood in the urine

Treatment for renal artery aneurysm

Treatment of a renal artery aneurysm depends on factors such as size and location of the aneurysm and whether or not symptoms are present. Certain types of small (less than two centimeters, or about three-quarters of an inch) aneurysms may not be treated, but may be observed for growth or development of other complications.

Larger aneurysms (greater than two centimeters or three-quarters of an inch), dissecting aneurysms, aneurysms causing kidney ischemia (lack of blood flow to the kidney tissue) and hypertension, aneurysms that are growing larger, and aneurysms causing symptoms may be treated surgically.

Because of the increased risk for rupture (bursting), a renal artery aneurysm in a pregnant woman or a woman of child-bearing age will generally be treated surgically.