Ischemic nephropathy. Epidemiology and clinical implications

Renal dysfunction secondary to stenosis of the renal arteries is an entity that is underdiagnosed but becoming increasingly recognized. This condition probably accounts for a large number of patients in dialysis programs. Hypertension is not an essential component of this disease. Progression of renal artery stenosis with deterioration of renal function is the natural course. This progression can be reversed with surgical or percutaneous revascularization of the ischemic kidneys with a high degree of success in preserving or restoring kidney function.