Local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding: management with renal artery embolization

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding from renal cell carcinoma metastasis is an uncommon manifestation of tumor recurrence and is usually difficult to control. Palliative trans-catheter embolization to control the bleeding has been used and described in the literature.

Case presentation: The present report describes a 62- years-old male with local recurrence of RCC who presented with upper GI bleeding as the primary manifestation 10 years after right-sided partial nephrectomy. A pseudoaneurysm of renal artery with erosion into the duodenal lumen was responsible for the massive bleeding and was controlled with coil embolization.

Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of high index suspicion in post-nephrectomy patients for RCC, presenting with new symptoms. Aggressive gastrointestinal workup and adequate awareness of available minimally-invasive endovascular options for controlling GIB in these patients, are of paramount importance.