Renal ischemia

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Renal ischemia refers to the lack of blood flow to the kidney. It is a serious condition that can lead to kidney damage and failure if not treated promptly.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Renal ischemia can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the blood vessels leading to the kidneys. These include:

  • Atherosclerosis: This is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.
  • Thrombosis: This is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel, blocking blood flow.
  • Renal artery stenosis: This is a narrowing of the renal artery, which supplies blood to the kidney.
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing blood flow.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of renal ischemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Renal ischemia can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:

  • Blood tests: These can measure the levels of certain substances in the blood that may indicate kidney damage.
  • Imaging tests: These can include ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, which can provide images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
  • Renal angiogram: This is a special type of X-ray that uses a dye to highlight the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for renal ischemia depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

  • Medication: This can include drugs to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, or dissolve blood clots.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or unblock the blood vessels leading to the kidneys.
  • Dialysis: If the kidneys are severely damaged, dialysis may be needed to filter waste products from the blood.

See also[edit | edit source]

Renal ischemia Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD