Ischemic nephropathy

Atherosclerotic narrowing of the renal arteries may result in severe consequences including chronic renal ischemia, renal artery atheroembolism and renal vascular hypertension. Ischemic renal disease is increasingly recognised as a potentially treatable cause of chronic renal failure. Its precise prevalence is still poorly determined as there is no population based studies. The patients with ARD, particularly those with high grade stenosis and systolic hypertension are at very high risk for renal atrophy and renal failure. Angiogram is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. However, the diagnosis is likely in the elderly patient with systemic atherosclerosis and hypertension in whom a rapid rise in serum creatinine concentration is associated with decreased renal length. Disease is associated with high mortality when treated medically. In contrast, clinical improvement is reported after renal revascularisation. Therefore, consider the diagnosis in the patients at risk, because revascularisation (surgical or endovascular) can successfully preserve renal function in selected patients.