Learning points: •
Renal artery stenosis is a common condition in elderly people presenting with renal impairment and hypertension.
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Ultrasonography is the first line method of imaging as it is safe, inexpensive, and widely available and readily detects obstructive causes. However, a normal renal ultrasound study does not exclude the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis.
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Magnetic resonance angiography and
computed tomography angiography are the preferred non-invasive imaging methods to identify renal artery stenosis.
Digital subtraction angiography should be reserved for patients in whom endovascular intervention is being considered or when non-invasive imaging is inconclusive.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7629/1094