Indications for Renal Artery Stenting

Abstract

Renal artery disease (RAD) is a relatively common condition in the elderly, especially in the setting of concomitant vascular disease in other anatomical sites and is most often of atheromatous origin. Rarely is it encountered in young women as a result of fibromuscular dysplasia. RAD with significant renal artery stenosis is considered responsible for refractory or accelerated hypertension, progressive loss of renal function and deterioration of patients’ cardiovascular status, with episodes of angina or pulmonary edema disproportional to the extent of coronary artery disease and left ventricle functional capacity, dominating the clinical presentation. This article summarizes the pathophysiological implications and diagnostic methods and attempts a review of the current literature on indications and efficacy of the available therapeutic options for renal artery stenosis, focusing on interventional treatment.