What is atheroembolic renal disease?
Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) occurs when small particles made of hardened cholesterol and fat spread to the small blood vessels of the kidneys.
What does Atheroembolic mean?
Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES), also known as atheroembolism, or “blue toe syndrome” from its most peripheral manifestation, refers to the release of cholesterol crystals from ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in a large artery resulting in embolization to more distal small and medium sized arteries.
Why is there eosinophilia in cholesterol embolism?
T lymphocytes are thought to release interleukin 5 in order to induce eosinophil production, chemotaxis, and maturation. Eosinophiluria on urine testing may indicate cholesterol embolism when identified in patients with other findings of cholesterol embolism.
How is cholesterol embolism treated?
Treatment of CES is largely supportive [10] and generally consists of fluid and blood pressure support, hemodialysis when indicated, nutritional and metabolic support. Surgical removal of the embolic source is warranted for those cases occurring spontaneously to prevent recurrent embolic showers.
Why is renal failure a complication of scleroderma?
The kidneys develop damage from the high blood pressure. Blood tests done during this phase show extensive evidence of widespread blood vessel injury with damage to blood cells and evidence of accelerated clotting. This syndrome progresses so rapidly as to be termed “scleroderma renal crisis”.
How is scleroderma renal crisis diagnosed?
How Scleroderma Renal Crisis Is Diagnosed. Patients with scleroderma will have their blood tested for antibodies, which can help confirm a diagnosis as well as help doctors understand more about the nature and severity of the disease. Anti-RNA-polymerase III antibodies are found in one-third of patients with SRC.