[Angioplasty of the renal arteries. Our experience with a 12-month follow-up].

We have treated 56 stenoses of renal arteries in 50 patients in which a renin assay indicated renovascular hypertension. In this paper we refer only to 40 cases of renal arteries angioplasty in 37 patients (3 cases of bilateral stenoses) with a clinical follow-up of 12 months. 25 lesions were of arteriosclerotic nature, while 15 were due to fibromuscular displasia. Results demonstrated that angioplasty resolved hypertensive conditions (either with or without medical therapy) in 82% of the cases of arteriosclerotic lesions and in 86% of the stenoses due to fibromuscular displasia. Although extremely rare, the complications that may occur with this procedure are very serious (arterial rupture, acute thrombosis, peripheral embolization). Out of utmost importance is a close collaboration with a vascular surgeon. Without doubt angioplasty will bring about radical changes in the preparation of therapeutical protocol and in some selected cases to improve renal function.