[Atheroembolic renal disease]

Abstract

Atheroembolic renal disease can be defined as renal failure due to occlusion of the renal arterioles by cholesterol crystal emboli usually dislodged from ulcerated atherosclerotic plaques of the aorta. Atheroembolic renal disease is part of multisystem disease, since the embolization usually involves other organ systems such as the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and lower extremities. The kidney is frequently involved because of the proximity of the renal arteries to the abdominal aorta, where erosion of atheromatous plaques is most likely to occur. Embolization may occur spontaneously or after angiographic procedures, vascular surgery, and anticoagulation. In the last decade, atheroembolic renal disease has become a recognizable cause of renal disease. An ante-mortem diagnosis of the disease is possible in a significant proportion of cases as long as the level of diagnostic suspicion is high. The disease can severely affect kidney and patient survival. Although no specific treatment has been proven efficacious, use of statins may be justifiable and such therapy would be a reasonable choice for future treatment trials.