Spontaneous reversal of renal failure by renal artery recanalization

R. J. Manly and F. O. Belzer

The kidney can remain viable even in anuric renal failure. Arteriography and hippuran scanning were not helpful in determining renal viability in a 41-year-old man. Interestingly, a high-grade stenotic lesion of the renal artery had resolved during a three-month period probably by recanalization. This illustrates that conservative management may result in preservation of viable renal parenchyma.