[Benefits of a beta-blocking agent (carvedilol) on bilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. A case report].

A 77 year old man with coronary artery disease was referred to our institution for recurrent (flash) episodes of pulmonary edema due to malignant hypertension. A selective contrast-enhanced angiography showed severe bilateral renal artery stenosis. We also found a high level of plasma renin production identifying intense renin-angiotensin system activation. We first considered revascularisation. Percutaneous intervention initially failed and thereafter the patient denied surgical revascularisation. We have then recommended medical therapy, namely a beta-blocker after adequate correction of fluid retention. We used CARVEDILOL which has no nephrotoxicity and effectively inhibit the renin-angiotensin system. The patient feels significant functional and clinical improvement with no fluid retention relapse with a follow-up of more than 18 months.