Renal angiomyolipoma in pregnancy: surgical management with fetal preservation - Approach in a developing setting

Abstract

Renal angiomyolipomas (RAML) are uncommon benign renal tumours that are associated with a tendency to rupture resulting in sometimes- torrential retroperitoneal hemorrhage as the Wunderlich syndrome or as severe potentially exsanguinating hematuria. When hemorrhage from RAML occurs in pregnancy it presents a unique challenge requiring timely and appropriately adapted intervention with the goal of preventing fatality, preserving renal function as well as preventing fetal loss if possible. We report the management of severe bleeding from RAML in pregnancy and highlight the need to adopt a management strategy that suits the practice environment and offers the patient standard and enduring care.

Keywords

• Bleeding
• renal angiomyolipoma
• pregnancy
• surgical
• management.