Percutaneous microwave ablation of renal angiomyolipomas in tuberous sclerosis complex to improve the quality of life: preliminary experience in an Italian center

Aim: To evaluate efficacy, safety and quality of life of the patients with renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) treated with percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA).
Materials and methods: Nine patients (7 females and 2 males; mean age 27.6 years, range 23–34), with 10 renal AMLs with a mean size of 6.3 cm (range 4.5–8.5) were treated with image-guided percutaneous MWA. Indications for treatment were the risk of rupture/hemorrhage due to size greater than 4 cm and symptomatology; in one case, a previous hemorrhage was the indication for treatment. During follow-up, the volume of the ablated AMLs and its relationship with the relief of symptoms were registered. Technical and clinical success, safety, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated in a mean follow-up of 9 months (range 3–12).
Results: Technical success was obtained in all cases. Clinical success was obtained in all cases; the volume of the ablated AMLs was not related with symptoms relief; all patients referred a significant improvement in their QOL, with a regularization of daily activities. There were no major procedural complications or delayed adverse events. A small self-limited post-procedural subcapsular hematoma was registered. Post-ablation syndrome was registered in 5 cases and was self-limited in all cases.
Conclusions: Symptoms relief, lower risk of hemorrhage and a normalized QOL were obtained in all patients with a safe and mini-invasive procedure.