Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Renal artery occlusion; Stenosis - renal artery; Occlusion - renal artery; Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)Definition Return to top
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of the artery that supplies blood to the kidney.
See also: Atheroembolic renal disease
Causes Return to top
Renal artery stenosis is caused by:
Symptoms Return to top
There are usually no symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
The doctor may hear a loud whooshing sound, called a bruit, when listening to the kidney area with a stethoscope.
A blood pressure reading may be high. The patient may have a history of high blood pressure that is hard to control or does not get better with medicine.
Imaging tests may show that the kidney is smaller or a decrease in blood flow because of a narrowed artery. Such tests may include:
A renal arteriogram shows the exact location of the blocked area.
This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If only one artery is involved, the second kidney may be able to filter and produce urine.
Surgery may be needed in some cases. Alternatives to surgery include a balloon angioplasty or stenting.
Medications may be needed to control high blood pressure. Renal hypertension caused by this condition may be difficult to treat. For treatment information, see the article on renal hypertension.
Possible Complications Return to top
Renal artery stenosis may cause chronic kidney failure if:
Additional complications:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Discuss your medical history with your health care provider to determine if you are at risk for this condition.
Decreased urine volume may be an emergency sign of kidney failure.
Prevention Return to top
Some cases of renal artery stenosis may be prevented by avoiding smoking.
References Return to top
Safian RD, Textor SC. Renal-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med.2001;344:431-442.
White CJ. Catheter-based therapy for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Circulation. 2006;113:1464-1473.
Balk E, Raman G, Chung M, Ip S, Tatsioni A, Alonso A, et al. Effectiveness of management strategies for renal artery stenosis: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2006;145:901-912.
Textor SC. Renovascular hypertension update. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2006;8:521-527.
Update Date: 4/14/2008 Updated by: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |