A Study on the Proportion of Patients Exhibiting Renal Artery Stenosis and Their Clinical Correlates Among Those Evaluated for Atherosclerotic Disease Using CT Angiography in a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Background Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) contributes to a significant number (14%) of end-stage renal disease patients. Objective The study aims to determine the proportion of RAS among patients undergoing computed tomography angiography (CTA) and assess associated risk factors among the study population. Methodology The CTA results of 253 patients who were being assessed to rule out other atherosclerotic conditions, such as aortoiliac disease and peripheral occlusive arterial disease, along with those who had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD)/stroke, were studied. The renal arteries were assessed using specific software to collect the necessary measurements. Findings Angiographically evident RAS was present in 43.1% (109) of the patients studied, with RAS greater than 50% present in 7 (2.8%) and severe stenosis (>70%) in 0.79%. The association between RAS and radiologically evident atherosclerosis was found to be significant, with RAS present in 48.9% (67) of patients with radiologically evident atherosclerosis in the aorta. Association of RAS with hypertension was also established, with 23 (67.2%) people who presented with hypertension being found to have an RAS of greater than 20%. Conclusion The clinical diagnosis of RAS continues to rely heavily on radiological and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Furthermore, in contrast to other atherosclerotic conditions such as CAD/stroke, the manifestations of RAS are nonspecific, but still pose significant risks to the patients in terms of life and money. Our study highlights the overall lower incidence of RAS in the South Indian population compared to the Western population, its higher incidence in patients with evident aortic atherosclerosis, and its relation with hypertension.