Are We Overtreating Renal Angiomyolipoma: A Review of the Literature and Assessment of Contemporary Management and Follow-Up Strategies

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2018 Apr;41(4):525-536. doi: 10.1007/s00270-017-1862-3. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

Abstract

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign tumours composed of fat, muscle, and disorganised blood vessels. Historic treatment algorithms for sporadic AML based on size fail to consider additional risk factors such as tumour vascularity and pseudoaneurysm formation. As AML is now predominantly incidental, rupture is rare and its mortality low. The recent publication of the largest longitudinal series to date also suggest that growth is uncommon, challenging existing surveillance paradigms. The evidence assessing treatment strategies in AML are reviewed, with particular emphasis on incidental sporadic AML. The relative merits of various AML treatments are discussed, and areas of clinical uncertainty highlighted.

Keywords: AML; Angioymolipoma; Embolisation; Renal; Sporadic; Tuberous sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques / methods
  • Adult
  • Angiomyolipoma / therapy*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Kidney / surgery
  • Kidney Neoplasms / therapy*