Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Atheroembolic disease
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Atheroembolic disease is medical conditions caused by the embolization of ruptured atheromatous plaques into distal blood vessels.
Risk factors
Risk factors
- Smoking
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Previous atheroembolism
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Complications
- chronic renal failure
- acute renal failure
- stroke
- myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- ischemic limb requiring amputation
- bowel ischemic
Prognosis
Prognosis of the condition is generally poor as embolization is usually chronic.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Pain, abdominal/flank, legs, thighs or foot – continuous
- Claudication
- Vascular insufficiency, purple toes
- Hypertension – high blood pressure
- Skin ulcers
- Hematuria – blood in the urine
Laboratory Findings
- Urinalysis
- Blood work – CBC, creatinine, cholesterol
Other Imaging Findings
- Pyelography
- Renal angiogram
Treatment
Treatment
Atheroembolic disease is difficult to treat. The primary treatment is prevention, by controlling the risk factors (i.e. smoking, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension).
External links
External links
- Atheroembolic renal disease – U of Maryland Medical Center
- Atheroembolic renal disease – medlineplus.org
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]