Renovascular Hypertension as a Complication of Umbilical Arterial Catheterization

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Abstract
Renovascular hypertension (RVH) in the neonatal period is frequently associated with thromboembolic complications of umbilical artery catheterization. Seven newborn infants with RVH were studied by angiography and/or radionuclide examination. Aortography and, in 1 case, selective angiography showed variable degrees of renal artery occlusion or attenuation. Thromboembolic defects were frequently present in other vessels. Radionuclide flow studies, renograms and computer analysis of data demonstrated defects in renal function, indicative of renal ischemia. There was a high degree of correlation between angiographic and radionuclide studies. Successful medical management suggests a more conservative alternative to nephrectomy in the hypertensive newborn.