Renal Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerosis (the most common) Fibromuscular dysplasia Risk Factors The following factors increase your chance of developing renal artery stenosis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor: Sex: maleAge: over 50Atherosclerosis elsewhere in your bodyPrevious stroke or heart attackSmokingHypertensionDiabetes Symptoms High blood pressure is the main finding. Only 1%-5% of cases of high blood pressure are caused by renal artery stenosis. This should be suspected if you: Develop high blood pressure when you are younger than 35 or older than 55Have sudden worsening of previously well-controlled hypertensionRequire multiple medications to control blood pressureDevelop abnormalities in kidney blood tests after taking a certain type of blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitors)High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it rarely produces symptoms until a stroke or heart attack occurs. The best way to detect it is to have routine blood pressure measurements. Renal artery stenosis is an unusual cause of hypertension, but an important one because it is curable. Most of the patients with the disease have no symptoms. However, it may also cause fluid retention, shortness of breath, headaches, and ankle swelling.

If both of the renal arteries are blocked, kidney failure occurs. Kidney failure can cause: LethargyDecreased mental functionTwitchingCrampsConvulsionsNauseaVomitingUnpleasant tastes in the mouthMalnutritionThese symptoms are not specific for kidney failure and may be caused by other health conditions, either more or less serious. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. If you have elevated blood pressure, a search for its cause can involve many different tests, but unless there is a specific reason to suspect renal artery stenosis, it may not be considered initially. Tests may include the following: Repeat blood pressure measurementsA battery of blood and urine testsElectrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)a test that records the heart' s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle A 24-hour urine collection Specific tests of your kidneys include: X-rays with intravenous contrast X-rays with contrast injected directly into the renal arteriesUltrasound examination of the kidneys Radioisotope imaging of the kidneysCT or MRI scans with or without injected contrast agents TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. If there is significant stenosis and you are healthy enough, repair of the artery is considered superior to medical treatment. Treatment options include the following:

MedicationStandard treatment for hypertension may be sufficient if blood pressure can be controlled and the kidneys are functioning adequately. There are many drugs that lower blood pressure, an you may need several to achieve adequate control. These drugs are especially effective in those with only a single renal artery that is blocked. ACE inhibitors should not be used if hypertension is caused by bilateral renal artery stenosis. Percutaneous AngioplastyA thin tube is threaded into the renal artery from a puncture in your groin. The tube includes a balloon, laser, or other device that will open the narrowed artery. Vascular SurgeryIf the artery is not suitable for angioplasty, a surgeon may decide to repair the condition through an incision in your abdomen. NephrectomyThis is an option if the affected kidney has been so damaged that it no longer works, but still causes high blood pressure. PreventionThere is no way to prevent renal artery stenosis other than to prevent atherosclerosis through exercising regularly, eating a heart healthy diet, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol. RESOURCES: National Kidney Foundation (UK)http://www.kidney.org National Library of Medicinehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca The Kidney Foundation of Canadahttp://www.kidney.ca References: Balk E, Raman G, Chung M, et al. Effectiveness of management strategies for renal artery stenosis: a systemiatic review. Ann Intern Med . 2006;145:901-912. Isselbacher K, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1998. Krumme B, Donauer J. Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and reconstruction. Kidney Int . 2006;70:1543-1547. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000. Renal artery stenosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=115312 . Accessed January 13, 2008. Zeller T. Renal artery stenosis: epidemiology, clinical manifestation, and percutaneous endovascular therapy. J Interv Cardiol . 2005;18:497-506. Last reviewed January 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.