ABSTRACT
There are substantial doubts pertaining to the clinical usefulness of radiological and surgical interventions in the management of renovascular disease, particularly in patients with diffuse atherosclerotic vascular disease. This article reviews the current knowledge on advantages and limitations of interventional techniques in the management of patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease.â©.
Subject(s)
Renal Artery Obstruction/complications , Ureteral Diseases/surgery , Urologic Surgical Procedures/methods , Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods , Humans , Renal Artery Obstruction/surgery , Ureteral Diseases/etiologyABSTRACT
Despite the potentially life-threatening consequences of hyperkalemia, symptoms are often absent or mild. However, when hyperkalemia has been recognized, evaluation of vital signs is essential for determining hemodynamic stability and identifying the presence of cardiac arrhythmias related to the hyperkalemia. Quite commonly, and depending on the severity and rapidity of onset, hyperkalemia may be associated with substantial electrocardiographic (EKG) changes that can lead to death if proper interventions are not instituted. Through its effects on the resting membrane potential and threshold potential of excitable cells, hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening disorder. Symptoms and physical examination findings are often absent. Once identified, the entire clinical picture must be taken into account, including an assessment of hemodynamic stability, the presence of other electrolyte abnormalities, and an EKG evaluation. While there is a typical progression of EKG findings based on hyperkalemia severity, EKG manifestations are myriad and their evolution may be unpredictable.
