Successful Application of PTRA in a Patient with AKI Due to Severe Unilateral Renal Artery Stenosis: A Case Report with 4-Year Follow-up and Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is defined by a decrease in the internal diameter of one or both of the renal arteries. This can lead to renal insufficiency. RAS mostly occurs due to atherosclerosis; however, other conditions can cause this complication. Case Presentation: We present a 66-year-old man who was initially presented with abrupt bilateral lower limbs and scrotal edema in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Qom. The patient had been regularly visiting the nephrology clinic for mild CKD. Due to the increased levels of creatinine (Cr) and urea in serum, he underwent angiography with suspicion of RAS, and 99% stenosis was confirmed in the left renal artery. Immediately after the diagnosis, we subjected the patient to angioplasty. After removing the arterial stenosis, the patient passed 8 liters of urine during one day, and his symptoms, including generalized edema, weight gain, and dyspnea, were improved gradually. The patient was discharged after 8 days of hospitalization with dramatically improved kidney function and relatively good general conditions. Conclusions: This patient had an uncommon presentation for a unilateral RAS and significant narrowing in the healthy renal artery. Angioplasty and stenting yielded a satisfactory result as a definite and effective treatment, and the patient enjoyed a relatively normal life with preserved kidney function during 4 years of follow-up.