ABSTRACT
Atherosclerosis • Associations between the pathogenic process and clinical manifestations • Epidemiology and involvement of multiple vascular beds • Atherosclerosis and renal artery stenosis • Coronary and carotid artery atherosclerosis • Atherosclerosis in the lower extremities • Contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with multiple vascular beds • Conclusions
Atherosclerosis is a complex and systemic disease. Even though the most common clinical presentation of the disease involves the coronary arteries, multiple vascular beds are usually implicated. The involvement of multiple vascular beds appears to be an expression of more advanced process associated with worse prognosis. The understanding of this process is critical for the development of preventive strategies, and institution of appropriate treatment. New imaging modalities have significantly improved our understanding, and provide an opportunity for early detection of the disease process. Technological advances have made possible the utilization of more effective and lower-risk percutaneous revascularization techniques to improve symptoms and decrease morbidity and mortality in the different anatomical territories. In this chapter we will discuss the atherosclerotic process and its manifestations in different territories, the epidemiological and clinical implications of the disease, as well as the global invasive approach to the multiple vascular bed involvement of these patients.
