Renal artery stenosis is narrowing of the artery that supplies the kidney. It can lead to hypertension and kidney failure.
What is Renal Artery Stenosis?#
Renal artery stenosis is more than 50% narrowing of the kidney artery. This condition reduces blood flow to the kidney and activates the renin-angiotensin system.
Consequences of Renal Artery Stenosis:
- Renovascular hypertension
- Ischemic nephropathy
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
Causes of Renal Artery Stenosis#
Atherosclerosis (90%)#
- Most common cause
- Usually ostial
- In elderly patients
- Associated with other atherosclerosis
Fibromuscular Dysplasia (10%)#
- In young women
- Mid-distal segment
- String of beads appearance
- Better prognosis
Other Causes#
- Arteritis
- Dissection
- Neurofibromatosis
- Radiation
Renal Artery Stenosis Symptoms#
Hypertension#
- Resistant hypertension
- Young age onset
- Sudden worsening
- Kidney function deterioration with ACE inhibitors
Kidney Findings#
- Kidney size asymmetry
- Unexplained kidney failure
- Recurrent pulmonary edema
Renal Artery Stenosis Diagnosis#
Imaging#
- Doppler ultrasonography (screening)
- CT Angiography
- MR Angiography
- Conventional angiography (gold standard)
Doppler Criteria#
| Parameter | Significant Stenosis |
|---|---|
| PSV | >200 cm/s |
| RAR | >3.5 |
| AT | >0.07 s |
Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment#
Medical Treatment#
- Antihypertensive medications
- Statin therapy
- Aspirin
- Risk factor control
Endovascular Treatment#
Renal Artery Stenting:
- In atherosclerotic stenosis
- In ostial lesions
- Balloon angioplasty + stent
Balloon Angioplasty:
- In fibromuscular dysplasia
- Effective without stent
- High success rate
Renal Artery Stenting Procedure#
Procedure Steps#
- Femoral artery access
- Renal artery angiography
- Guidewire crossing
- Balloon predilation
- Stent placement
- Control angiography
Success Criteria#
- Residual stenosis <30%
- Blood pressure reduction
- Kidney function preservation
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is renal artery stenosis dangerous?
How is renal artery stenting performed?
Does blood pressure decrease after stenting?
Is renal artery stent permanent?
Is treatment different in fibromuscular dysplasia?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for renal artery stenosis evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Peripheral Vascular Treatments#
Other peripheral vascular treatments related to renal artery stenosis:
- Peripheral Vascular - Peripheral vascular disease
- Carotid Stenosis - Carotid artery stenosis treatment
- Hypertension - High blood pressure treatment
- Angiography - General angiography procedures
- Atherectomy - Plaque removal procedure