Atheroembolic kidney disease

[Hina Muqadas]

In atheroembolic kidney disease, numerous small pieces of fatty material (atheroemboli) travel from arteries above the kidneys to clog the smallest branches of the renal arteries, causing the kidneys to fail.

• Usually atheroemboli occur as a complication of surgery or a procedure on an atherosclerotic aorta.
• Symptoms of kidney failure, blue toes, or a lacy purplish discoloration of the skin of the feet and legs may develop.
• Removing and analyzing a piece of kidney tissue (biopsy) may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

(See also Overview of Blood Vessel Disorders of the Kidneys.)