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Clinical insights into the diagnosis and management of atherosclerotic renal artery disease

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Abstract

Atherosclerotic renovascular disease (ARVD) is an increasingly common contributor to hypertension and renal failure. However, not all patients with an identified obstructive atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis will have clinical improvement, even after successful percutaneous intervention. As such, there remains extensive controversy regarding optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies. Part of this controversy is the result of a paucity of well-designed prospective, randomized clinical trials, but the complex nature of the disorder and the heterogeneity of patients presenting with possible ARVD make simple diagnostic and treatment paradigms difficult to develop. This narrative review describes the latest observations concerning the prevalence, pathogenesis, natural history, diagnostic studies, and treatment options for suspected ARVD. Hopefully, this knowledge will improve the ability of clinicians to weigh risks and benefits and determine the best strategy in individual patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1500 East Second Street, Suite 302, 89502, Reno, NV, USA

    Michael J. Bloch MD

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  1. Michael J. Bloch MD
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  2. Jan Basile MD
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Correspondence to Michael J. Bloch MD.

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Bloch, M.J., Basile, J. Clinical insights into the diagnosis and management of atherosclerotic renal artery disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 8, 412–420 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-006-0039-3

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