Total therapeutic embolization of the kidney for hypertension in a child with a mycotic aneurysm.

A 7-year-old boy with bacterial endocarditis developed renal artery mycotic aneurysm and diffuse distal occlusions of the renal branches. Blood pressure in the patient returned to normal after obliteration of flow to the left kidney with Gelfoam, Ivalon, and a Gianturco coil. An end loop of the coil used for embolization remained in the lumen of the aorta against its lateral side. Improper coil placement did not result in complications; the boy later died due to neurologic and pulmonary complications. We discuss the therapeutic potential of renal embolization, as well as the risks of particulate and ethanol embolization, in the treatment of renal vascular hypertension from mycotic aneurysms.