ABSTRACT
Renovascular disease is generally uncommon if sought in asymptomatic patients with mild to moderate hypertension. The prevalence in cross-sectional surveys in developed countries is usually around 3% or less. Certain groups are at high risk of atheromatous renal artery stenosis, notably patients with peripheral vascular disease, wherein approximately 30% of patients have unilateral, and around 10% have bilateral, renal artery stenosis. Bilateral disease may comprise stenosis on one side and an occlusion contralaterally. With stenosis of more than 75% of the luminal diameter, there is a risk of arterial occlusion, ranging from 8% to 16% over 2-3 years.
