Transarterial embolization of a hyperfunctioning aldosteronoma in a patient with bilateral adrenal nodules.

Primary hyperaldosteronism often results in resistant hypertension and hypokalemia, which may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Although surgery is first line treatment for unilateral functioning aldosteronomas, minimally invasive therapies may be first line for certain patients such as those who cannot tolerate surgery. We present a case of transarterial embolization (TAE) of an aldosteronoma. The patient presented with a cerebrovascular accident, and subsequently developed uncontrolled hypertension, hypokalemia, and a myocardial infarction. Following TAE, potassium returned to normal levels and blood pressure control was improved. There were no postoperative complications. TAE thus may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery.

Acute tumor lysis syndrome after proximal splenic artery embolization.

Preoperative splenic artery embolization for massive splenomegaly has been shown to reduce intraoperative hemorrhage during splenectomy. We describe a case of tumor lysis syndrome after proximal splenic artery embolization in a patient with advanced mantle cell lymphoma and splenic involvement. The patient presented initially with hyperkalemia two days after embolization that worsened during splenectomy. He was stabilized, but developed laboratory tumor lysis syndrome with renal failure and expired. High clinical suspicion of tumor lysis syndrome in this setting is advised. Treatment must be started early to avoid serious renal injury and death. Lastly, same day splenectomy and embolization should be considered to decrease the likelihood of developing tumor lysis syndrome.