Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Complications are primarily related to non-target embolization. We report a case of ischemic rectitis in a 76-year-old man with significant lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, probably related to nontarget embolization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an 85.5-g prostate and urodynamic studies confirmed Inferior vesical obstruction. PAE was performed bilaterally. During the first 3 days of follow-up, a small amount of blood mixed in the stool was observed. Colonoscopy identified rectal ulcers at day 4, which had then disappeared by day 16 post PAE without treatment. PAE is a safe, effective procedure with a low complication rate, but interventionalists should be aware of the risk of rectal nontarget embolization.
Written by:
Moreira AM, Marques CF, Antunes AA, Nahas CS, Nahas SC, de Gregorio Ariza MA, Carnevale FC. Are you the author?
Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Reference: Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2013 Dec;36(6):1690-4.
doi: 10.1007/s00270-013-0739-3
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24091752
