Causes
People who are at risk for other vascular diseases (blood vessel problems) are also more likely to develop renovascular disease (e.g., seniors). For some people on high blood pressure medications, such as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, the problem may be discovered if side effects such as kidney failure or other severe kidney problems appear. As well, smokers and people with diabetes seem to be more likely to develop renovascular disease, as are people with high blood pressure or diabetes.
Renal artery occlusion occurs when the renal arteries become closed off, either partially or totally, by an embolism (a blood clot or foreign substance that blocks a blood vessel) or hardening of the arteries. Hardening of the arteries occurs when cholesterol, calcium, and other substances line the arteries. Embolisms can be caused by heart disease, surgery, trauma, or tumors.
Renal vein thrombosis is fairly uncommon, but if there's been a trauma to the back or abdomen, a blood clot may form and get stuck in the renal veins. Sometimes it's a result of other kidney-related conditions (e.g. nephrotic syndrome). Occasionally, a test or procedure might also trigger an embolism.
Children can also develop renal vein thrombosis, though rarely. Renal vein
thrombosis in children under one year old is usually caused by severe dehydration.
Renal atheroembolism is caused by atherosclerosis. Risk factors for developing atheroembolism include:
- diabetes
- family history of the condition
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- smoking