Transjugular random renal biopsy: a review

Katelyn Gill, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
Dan F. Laney IV, Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
Hector Ferral, Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Random renal biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of systemic renal disorders. Percutaneous biopsy remains a safe option for most patients; however, the percutaneous approach may be considered too risky in approximately 5-10% of patients. In these high-risk patients, transjugular renal biopsy (TJRB) may represent an underutilized alternative. TJRB is a technically difficult procedure with a learning curve of approximately 10 cases. When performed properly, TJRB is a safe alternative to percutaneous biopsy in patients with renal failure or who are at high risk of bleeding. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the indications, techniques, precautions, and complications of TJRB, a possibly underutilized technique.

Keywords: Transjugular. Renal biopsy. Indications. Technique. Percutaneous.