Blog Details

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS)

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the narrowing of one or both renal arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys. It is a major cause of secondary hypertension and chronic kidney disease, often linked to atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).

Causes of RAS

1. Atherosclerosis:
   • Most common cause (>90% of cases), driven by plaque buildup (fats, cholesterol) in artery walls147.
   • Risk factors: Age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or peripheral artery disease137.
2. Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD):
   • Non-atherosclerotic narrowing due to abnormal artery wall growth, more common in young women146.
3. Other Causes:
   • Vasculitis (e.g., Takayasu arteritis), trauma, or congenital defects46.

Symptoms of RAS

RAS is often asymptomatic until complications arise:

• Hypertension:
  • Resistant hypertension (difficult to control with medications)126.
  • Sudden-onset high blood pressure in younger individuals14.
• Kidney Dysfunction:
  • Edema, fatigue, or reduced urine output16.
• Advanced Cases:
  • Acute kidney injury (e.g., after ACE inhibitors/ARBs)6.
  • Flash pulmonary edema (sudden fluid buildup in lungs)26.

Diagnosis

1. Imaging:
   • CT/MR Angiography: Gold standard for visualizing artery narrowing146.
   • Doppler Ultrasound: Measures blood flow velocity16.
2. Blood/Urine Tests:
   • Kidney function (creatinine, GFR) and proteinuria16.
3. Clinical Signs:
   • Renal bruit (whooshing sound over the abdomen)6.

Treatment

1. Medical Management:
   • Blood pressure control: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or calcium channel blockers16.
   • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) for atherosclerosis137.
2. Interventional Procedures:
   • Angioplasty with stenting: Balloon dilation and stent placement to widen arteries147.
   • Surgical bypass: For severe stenosis or failed angioplasty16.
3. FMD-Specific Care:
   • Angioplasty is often curative14.

Complications

• Chronic Kidney Disease: Reduced kidney function or failure126.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Coronary artery disease, stroke, or heart failure26.
• Acute Kidney Injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to occlusion6.

Risk Factors

• Age: Atherosclerotic RAS peaks in older adults; FMD affects younger individuals147.
• Sex: FMD is more common in women16.
• Comorbidities: Diabetes, smoking, or peripheral artery disease137.

Conclusion

RAS is a silent condition until hypertension or kidney damage occurs. Early diagnosis via imaging and tailored treatment (medications or interventions) can prevent complications like stroke or kidney failure.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

References

1. WebMD: RAS Symptoms & Treatment
2. Wikipedia: RAS
3. Mass General Brigham: RAS Symptoms
4. Mayo Clinic: RAS Symptoms
5. Brigham and Women’s: RAS
6. Medscape: RAS Practice Essentials
7. Cleveland Clinic: RAS
8. StatPearls: RAS