Renal Artery Occlusion
This is most often an embolic phenomenon. Clot emboli originate in the heart in atrial fibrillation or after myocardial infarction, or atheromatous emboli originate from the aorta after aortic manipulation during angiography or vascular surgery. Both types of embolization are obviously more prevalent in elderly patients.
Renal artery occlusion does not invariably cause renal infarction or symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they usually reflect tissue ischemia and death. Sudden renal infarction may cause severe localized flank pain, nausea and vomiting, and oliguria, but rarely hematuria. A sudden onset or exacerbation of hypertension may occur. A leukocytosis may be seen along with elevations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and urine. Segmental or unilateral renal infarction may be asymptomatic without an evident effect on renal function.
Renal vascular scintiradiography is a most useful initial test in suspected cases of renal infarction. Total lack of renal blood flow in a dynamic study, or defects in activity on a static image, are highly compatible findings. Renal arteriography may be needed to visualize the extent or location of the occluding embolus/thrombus. Renal artery embolectomy has been successful in restoring blood flow and renal function even if performed two to four days after embolization.
Atheromatous embolization from an aortic plaque usually follows manipulation of an atherosclerotic aorta. The process presents as acute, oliguric renal failure following a surgical or angiographic procedure of the aorta. Although abdominal aortic aneurysms rarely extend into the renal arteries, the manipulation required for surgical repair of the aneurysm may dislodge occluding emboli. Asymptomatic atheromatous embolization to segmental arteries may occur spontaneously, as evidenced by local, healed renal infarcts discovered incidentally at autopsy.
- MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
- RENAL METABOLISM Of DRUGS
- RESPIRATORY CONTROL CENTERS
- RISK FACTORS
- CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF MALABSORPTION
- Determination of Kidney Anatomy and Renal Blood Flow
- Initial Assessment
- Resuscitation
- THE APPROACH TO THE PATIENT WITH GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE
- PULMOIIARY FUNCTION EVALUATION
- DEFINITION
- BRORICHODILATORS
- Systemic Vasculitides
- The Use of Diuretics
- CARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS - Diagnosis
- NONPENETRATING TRAUMA
- TREATMENT OF MALABSORPTION
- Blood Chemistries
- PHYSIOLOGY OF THE PULMONARY CIRCULATION
- ACUTE RENAL INSUFFICIENCY
- Diagnosis
- CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
- DIFFUSE LUNG DISEASE OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY
- CLINICAL PRESENTATION
- CARDIAC TRAUMA
- Comprehensive Health-care Program for Children in Foster Care
- ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
- THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
- Etiology and Pathogenesis
- CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
- Studies of Pancreatic Structure and Function
- ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION SYSTEM
- ARTERIAL TRAUMA
- CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY