What is Renal and Mesenteric Artery Occlusive Disease?

Narrowing in the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys is called renal artery stenosis. Narrowing in the arteries supplying the intestines is called mesenteric artery stenosis. Arterial stenosis reduces the blood flow to these organs. In most cases the stenosis is caused by atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, the same process that is responsible for most strokes and heart attacks.

Renal artery stenosis can also be caused by fibromuscular dysplasia, a condition usually afflicting young women between the ages of 20 and 40. Fibromuscular dysplasia involves the overgrowth of tissue inside the artery and produces multifocal stenoses which assume a characteristic “chain of beads” pattern on an angiogram.

How is Renal or Mesenteric Artery Occlusive Disease Diagnosed?

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is suspected in patients with malignant hypertension, high blood pressure that is very difficult to control with medication. It can also cause progressive kidney failure.

Mesenteric stenosis can lead to unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain after eating.

One or more of the following imaging tests may be used to determine the location and the extent of the arterial narrowing (stenosis):

• Duplex Ultrasound
• CT Angiogram (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

What Treatment Options are Available?

Asymptomatic patients with renal and mesenteric artery stenosis may be treated with lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation and management of risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

However, in many cases, a procedure may be recommended to treat the stenosis. Most often this is done with a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty. Rarely, open surgery may necessary in order to restore blood flow.