Split renal function in patients with unilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis-effect of renal angioplasty.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) on split renal function (SRF) in patients with unilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutively examined patients at our centre with significant ARAS undergoing PTRA during 2002-07. A significant ARAS was defined as a lesion with a trans-stenotic mean arterial pressure gradient of at least 10 mmHg or a diameter stenosis >50% on angiography.

Brain natriuretic peptides in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and effects of renal angioplasty.

Background: We hypothesized that plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) would be elevated, and adiponectin concentrations reduced, in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) and that BNPs might be used to identify patients who would benefit from percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA).

Methods: Data were collected before renal angiography in 91 patients with hypertension and suspected ARAS (significant ARAS; n=47, and non-RAS; n=44) and in 20 healthy controls (C). In ARAS patients analyses were repeated four weeks after PTRA.

Lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease.

Background: Patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease (ARVD) have a high risk of cardiovascular death. The primary aim was to characterize abnormalities in apolipoprotein (Apo)-defined lipoprotein (Lp) subclasses in patients with ARVD.

Methods: Baseline measurements were performed on 42 patients with ARVD 4 weeks after renal angioplasty (PTRA).

Accuracy of colour duplex sonography for the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis.

Objective: To examine the diagnostic value of novel velocimetric colour duplex sonography indices in the screening of renal artery stenosis (RAS).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutively studied patients at our centre with suspected RAS, and a colour duplex sonography carried out at less than 4 months (mean 34 days) before renal angiography during a 6-year period (2002-2007). A significant RAS was defined as an at least 60% stenosis on angiography or a transstenotic mean arterial pressure gradient of at least 10 mmHg or both.