Atherosclerotic Renal Arterial Stenosis with Multivascular Involvement in a Patient Presenting with Uncontrolled Hypertension and Cardiac Dysfunction

Abstract

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, with an incidence rate of 1–3% and atherosclerosis being the most common cause in 90% of the cases. The detection of atherosclerotic RAS may portend multivascular involvement; hence, a more comprehensive approach is essential. Clinical outcomes depend on renal condition and atherosclerotic burden with other coexisting cardiovascular diseases. A haemodynamically significant RAS can be considered with the onset of hypertensive crisis associated with worsening renal function and flash pulmonary oedema, known as Pickering syndrome. Despite the current controversy regarding the lack of randomised studies supporting the benefits of revascularisation over medical therapy, this may be considered in patients with RAS and Pickering syndrome. Reported here is the case of a 76-year-old woman with bilateral RAS who presented with persistent elevated blood pressure and heart failure symptoms. The patient underwent successful bilateral percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty. Long-term monitoring requires maintaining adequate blood pressure control and renal function.