Renal Artery Stenosis Renal Artery Occlusion Normal Abnormal A narrowing of the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys None Renal Artery Stenosis often found during a medical workup for unexplained Hypertension. May lead to kidney failure Atherosclerosis in elderly males with history of smoking, High Blood Pressure, or diabetes Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) -- mainly affects the young to middle aged females Neurofibromatosis and congenital (present at birth) are some of the causes seen in children. Post-radiation therapy for other problems. A graft (artificial tubing surgically placed to replace a damaged artery) may become blocked or stenotic. Trauma to the kidneys Recent Hypertension onset (especially in a younger person) with blood pressure that is difficult to control Other signs of Hypertension are evident, such as retinopathy (eye damage seen in the back of the eye using a ophthalmoscope). A doctor may hear a bruit (sound of the blood passing through the narrowed artery) over the kidneys and the abdomen. Blood (morning sample) may be taken to measure rennin levels (a chemical produced by kidneys). Renal Ultrasound or abdominal CAT scan will show the size of the kidneys (affected kidney may be smaller). Renal Nuclear scans will also be helpful. Arteriogram is the golden standard and will show the narrowing. Treat Hypertension Dialysis for kidney failure Surgical correction or balloon dilation (balloon angioplasty is less invasive than surgery) of the narrowed portion of the renal artery.