IntroductionThe interactions between atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, independently of severity, and cardiovascular risk, and mortality, are
complex and have not been fully researched. The aim of this study was
the assessment of the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients
with haemodynamically non-significant (NS-RAS) and significant renal artery stenosis (S-RAS) diagnosed with ultrasonography.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of all consecutive patients (n = 2059) who underwent Doppler ultrasound of the renal arteries
during a 4-year period. The patients were divided, according to the renal
aortic ratio (RAR), into the following groups: S-RAS (RAR ≥ 3.5), NS-RAS
(1 < RAR < 3.5), and normal RAR (control group; RAR ≤ 1). The risk of cardiovascular events and death was estimated using Cox’s proportional hazard
model, including severity of RAS, age, and gender, based on the data from
the National Health Fund on causes of hospitalization, deaths, and statistics
on percutaneous coronary angioplasty procedures.ResultsSignificant renal artery stenosis was found in 112 patients (5.4%),
NS-RAS in 313 patients (15.2%), and 1634 patients (79.4%) were qualified to
the control group. The NS-RAS group had an increased risk of stroke (7.0% vs.
3.0%, HR = 1.77, p = 0.032); S-RAS patients were at increased risk of heart failure (16.1% vs. 5.2%, HR = 2.19, p = 0.002) and death (19.6% vs. 4.3%, HR = 3.08,
p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of haemodynamically non-significant renal artery stenosis is an indicator of systemic atherosclerotic changes in vital organs and an important cardiovascular risk factor for stroke.
Utility of color doppler ultrasound in the evaluation of renal artery stenosis in comparison with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
