Regression of atherosclerotic stenosing lesions of the renal arteries and spontaneous cure of systemic hypertension through control of hyperlipidemia

We describe a 49 year old woman with impressive regression of renal artery stenosing atherosclerotic lesions in response to sustained excellent control of hyperlipidemia. Initially, she had high blood pressure necessitating combined drug therapy with chlorothiazide, methyldopa and propranolol, with only moderately satisfactory control. Renal arteriography revealed a 90 per cent stenosing lesion of the right renal artery and 75 per cent narrowing of the left renal artery. Peripheral vein plasma renin was markedly increased at 32 ng/ml. With a combination of cholestyramine and clofibrate, serum lipids were maintained at normal values for several years. Increased blood pressure diminished spontaneously, and the patient has maintained normal blood pressures after discontinuation of antihypertensive therapy. Repeat renal arteriograms showed almost complete regression of the right renal artery lesion and a possible decrease in left renal artery disease. Peripheral vein plasma renin became normal at 3 ng/ml. This case illustrates that sustained control of hyperlipidemia could lead to regression of atherosclerotic nodules and impressive clinical improvement in certain patients.