Atheroembolic renal disease Health Article

Definition

Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) is an inflammatory reaction in the small blood vessels of the kidneys.

Alternative Names

Renal disease - atheroembolic; Cholesterol embolization syndrome; Atheroemboli - renal; Atherosclerotic disease - renal

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

AERD is linked to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard substances called plaque.

In AERD, cholesterol crystals break off from the plaque lining the arteries. These crystals move into the blood stream. Once in circulation, the crystals get stuck in tiny blood vessels called arterioles. There, they cause intense swelling and pain that can harm the kidney or other parts of the body

The result is organ damage due to decreased blood supply. The kidneys are involved about half the tiome. Other body parts that may be involved include the skin, eyes, muscles and bones, brain and nerves, and organs in the abdomen. Acute kidney failure is possible if the reaction is severe.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is the most common cause of AERD. The cholesterol crystals may also break off during aortic angiography, cardiac catheterization or surgery of the aorta or other major arteries.

In some cases, AERD may occur without a known cause.

The risk factors for AERD are the same as risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Symptoms

AERD may not cause any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may begin suddenly, or slowly get worse over weeks or even months. Symptoms may include:

• Fever, muscle aches, headaches, and weight loss
• Flank (sides of the body) pain and blood in the urine (rare)
• Foot pain, ulcers on the feet, or “blue toes”
• High blood pressure that is difficult to control
• Pain in the abdomen, nausea, or vomiting
• Pancreatitis or hepatitis (rare)
• Strokes or blindness

Kidney failure may result in:

• Decrease in sensation (feeling)
• Decreased or no urine output
• Drowsiness, confusion, lethargy
• Dry itchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin pigment changes
• Swelling
• Weight loss