Acute renal artery occlusion: the role of collateral circulation
J. R. Lohse, R. M. Shore and F. O. Belzer
It is not known if no when the probability of success is sufficient to
warrant emergency revascularization of acute renal artery occlusion. This
probability depends on the ability of collateral circulation to maintain
viability. The role of collateral circulation in maintaining renal
viability during six and 48 hours of renal artery occlusion has been
studied in mongrel dogs. Collateral circulation is sufficient to maintain
renal viability beyond the three hours of warm complete ischemia known to
cause infarction. It is not sufficient to prevent progressive loss of renal
function. Hypertension frequently results. Emergency revascularization of
acute bilateral renal artery occlusion, therefore, is indicated. It is not
indicated for unilateral occlusion with adequate contralateral function
because of the high probability of resulting hypertension.
