Angioplasty of renal artery stenosis (TRAS)

Abstract

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is an increasingly recognized complication of kidney transplantation. In studies, its incidence varied from 1% to 25%, depending on the definition employed and on the fact that angiography is not performed routinely. Hypertension of recent onset or refractory hypertension, often, but not always, in association with an increasing creatine level, is the most common presentation. Recognition of this process is important because it is a potentially reversible cause of hypertension and allograft loss. Several imaging techniques are available to confirm the diagnosis. If intervention is required, we recommend using percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) as the procedure of first choice, because it is a safe and effective treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis.