Renal Artery Stenotic Disease

The kidney is a bean-shaped organ that lies within the abdomen. They serve many functions including filtering impurities from the blood to produce urine, regulation of plasma electrolytes and acid-base balance, regulation of blood pressure and production of some hormones. The kidneys receive their blood supply usually by a single renal artery, that branches from the abdominal aorta.

Stenoses of the arteries to the kidneys may be caused by the following:

• Atherosclerosis (most common)
• Fibromuscular Disease
• Inflammatory Artertis

Stenoses of the arteries to the kidneys may be asymptomatic, or may cause the following problems:

• High blood pressure
• Sudden pulmonary oedema
• Chronic renal failure

Stenoses of the arteries to the kidneys can be identified and monitored with a non-invasive duplex ultrasound. Other investigations that can be performed include CT angiography, MR angiography and catheter angiography.

Stenoses of the renal arteries can be treated by a number of means. These include:

• medications, such as antihypertensive medication, cholesterol lowering medication or antiplatelet medication.
• endovascular techniques, such as angioplasty and stenting
• Surgery, such as endarterectomy or bypass

After review of your history, physical examination and investigations we will formulate an appropriate treatment plan for you.