Renovascular Conditions
Renovascular conditions affect the renal blood vessels, which carry blood to and from the kidneys.
Renovascular conditions is an umbrella term describing the various conditions that can affect the renal arteries and veins, which carry blood to and from the kidneys, respectively.
Some of the conditions affecting the renal arteries include:
- Renal artery stenosis – This condition is characterized by the narrowing of one or more renal arteries, generally due to plaque buildup on the artery walls (atherosclerosis).
- Renal artery thrombosis – This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a renal artery.
- Renal hypertension – When a renal artery becomes narrowed, it can lead to high blood pressure within the blood vessel.
- Renal artery aneurysm – This condition is characterized by the weakening and bulging of a renal artery wall.
- Fibromuscular dysplasia – This condition occurs when abnormal cellular growth and development cause a renal artery to narrow or take on a beaded appearance.
One of the most common renovascular conditions affecting the renal veins is renal vein thrombosis. Similar to how renal artery thrombosis involves the formation of a blood clot within a renal artery, this condition develops when a blood clot forms in a renal vein.
Causes of Renovascular Conditions
Causes will vary depending on the type of renovascular condition present. With that being said, certain risk factors can make a person more likely to develop renovascular disease, including:
- Being age 50 or older
- Being a woman
- Smoking
- Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
Symptoms of Renovascular Conditions
Some of the symptoms commonly associated with renovascular disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Blood within the urine
- Impaired kidney function
Diagnosing Renovascular Conditions
Physicians often use the following tests to diagnose renovascular conditions:
- Angiograms, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Blood tests
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Ultrasounds
- Urine tests
Treatment for Renovascular Conditions
If you suspect that you have renovascular disease, it’s important to promptly consult with a physician, since many renovascular conditions can cause serious complications if left untreated, including kidney failure and pulmonary embolism. A ruptured renal artery aneurysm, in particular, can be a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.
The vascular specialists at Tampa General Hospital develop customized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific needs. For renovascular conditions, potential treatments might include:
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery