Effects of renal denervation on renal artery function in humans: preliminary study

Gebker, R; Doltra, A; Kelle, S; Fleck, E; Stawowy, P; Goubergrits, L; Hartmann, A; Schneeweis, C; Schnackenburg, B; Wellnhofer, E; Kuehne, T; Esler, M
Abstract
AIM: To study the effects of RD on renal artery wall function non-invasively using magnetic resonance. METHODS AND RESULTS: 32 patients undergoing RD were included. A 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance of the renal arteries was performed before RD and after 6-month. We quantified the vessel sharpness of both renal arteries using a quantitative analysis tool (Soap-Bubble®). In 17 patients we assessed the maximal and minimal cross-sectional area of both arteries, peak velocity, mean flow, and renal artery distensibility. In a subset of patients wall shear stress was assessed with computational flow dynamics. Neither renal artery sharpness nor renal artery distensibility differed significantly. A significant increase in minimal and maximal areas (by 25.3%, p = 0.008, and 24.6%, p = 0.007, respectively), peak velocity (by 16.9%, p = 0.021), and mean flow (by 22.4%, p = 0.007) was observed after RD. Wall shear stress significantly decreased (by 25%, p = 0.029). These effects were observed in blood pressure responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: RD is not associated with adverse effects at renal artery level, and leads to an increase in cross-sectional areas, velocity and flow and a decrease in wall shear stress.
Journal PLOS ONE
ISSN 1932-6203
Published 08 Dec 2016
Volume 11
Issue 3
Pages e0150662
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0150662
Type Journal Article
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