Renal artery stenosis

In this angiography, you can see a "string of beads" appearance to the renal artery, the classic sign of fibromuscular dysplasia.

Definition

Where a narrowing of the renal artery causes problems.

Epidemiology

Pretty common, generally seen around the age of 50.

Pathophysiology

The artery supplying the kidneys gets smaller. Usually this is due to atherosclerosis, where cholesterol deposits in the artery cause a narrowing.

It can be down to fibromuscular dysplasia in young females - if so it will cause a "beaded" appearance of the renal artery on angiography.

Clinical Features

Classically, they are generally asymptomatic, with a patient just suffering from secondary hypertension, that isn't easily controlled with medication.