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Alternative names Return to top
Renal disease - atheroembolic; Cholesterol embolization syndrome; Atheroemboli - renal; Atherosclerotic disease - renalDefinition Return to top
Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) refers to an inflammatory reaction in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. It occurs when cholesterol crystals from atherosclerotic plaques (lipid and cholesterol plaques in the walls of blood vessels) break off and move to the kidneys. It often results in irreversible damage to the kidney tissue. If severe enough, it may result in end stage renal disease.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
AERD results from atherosclerotic plaque, the source of cholesterol crystals. A diseased, atherosclerotic aorta is the most common cause of AERD. The syndrome is most often begins following direct mechanical injury to the plaque, causing the release of the cholesterol crystals into the blood stream. Thus, cardiac catheterization is a common precipitating factor, as is direct trauma during aortic surgery.
Thrombolysis or anticoagulation (a process of making the blood thin so as to avoid clot formation in some disease states) have been known to agitate the plaques and release cholesterol crystals. Rarely, the syndrome may occur spontaneously.
Once in the circulation, the crystals lodge in small blood vessels. As the aorta is the most common source of the crystals, the kidney, intestine and legs are at prime risk.
Once in the tiny blood vessels called arterioles, the crystals cause an intense inflammatory response. The end result is organ damage due to decreased blood supply. In the kidneys, this may lead to acute renal failure if the reaction is severe.
A spectrum of responses may be seen, though. These range from serious end stage renal disease, requiring dialysis, to only mild elevation in plasma creatinine (a test used to gauge kidney function).
The risk factors for AERD are the same as risk factors for atherosclerosis. This is a syndrome seen predominantly in elderly males with vascular disease.
Symptoms Return to top
AERD may not have any symptoms. However, it can cause the following:
Kidney failure may result in the following:
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination may show swelling of the whole body. Examination of the eyes may show particles in the small arteries of the retina. Evidence of fluid overload may develop if kidney failure is present, including abnormal sounds when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. A loud whooshing sound called a bruit, for example, may be heard over the aorta or renal artery.
Blood pressure may be elevated, and the patient may have a history of hard-to-control high blood pressure. There may be multiple ulcers of the skin of the lower feet.
These tests help diagnose the disorder:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment goals vary depending on what the doctor finds and the severity of symptoms.
Medicines may include medicine to treat high blood pressure and to lower serum lipid/cholesterol levels. Other treatments for renal failure or other complications may be appropriate.
Taking care of yourself is important to reduce progression of the disorder. You may need to reduce fats and cholesterol in your diet. If you have renal failure, you may need to restrict protein, salt, and fluids, or make other dietary changes. Your doctor may also recommend other lifestyle changes. Stopping smoking is extremely important, increasing exercise, weight loss, and a variety of other things may also help.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies but is generally poor. The disorder is often long-term and progressive. Lifestyle changes may help slow progression of the disease.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your doctor if urine output drops or stops, or if blood is seen in the urine.Prevention Return to top
You can alter the factors that increase your risk of getting this disease. You should lose weight if you are obese , decrease or stop smoking, and follow your doctor's recommendations to control diabetes or high blood pressure. Reducing fats, especially saturated fats, in your diet may help to reduce serum lipid levels. Update Date: 9/9/2003 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |