Renin-associated hypertension after bronchial artery embolization in cystic fibrosis

Bronchial artery embolization is the recommended therapy for massive hemoptysis in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We report on two cases of multiple renal infarcts and renin-associated hypertension and hypokalemia occurring in CF adults after bronchial artery embolizations. These complications were presumably related to crossing of small calibrated microspheres through arteriovenous anastomoses. Although hypokalemia resolved rapidly, hypertension persisted at least 6 months and its control required multiple antihypertensive agents. Physicians should be aware of this potentially severe, but previously unreported, complication of bronchial artery embolization.