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The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
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Chapter 145. Blood Vessel Disorders of the Kidneys
Topics: Introduction | Blockage of the Renal Arteries | Atheroembolic Kidney Disease | Cortical Necrosis | Malignant Nephrosclerosis | Renal Vein Thrombosis
 
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Introduction

click here to view the figure See the figure Kidney's Blood Supply.

The blood flow to the kidneys needs to be intact for the kidneys to function properly. Any interruption or reduction in the blood flow can cause kidney damage, dysfunction, and increased blood pressure. When blood flow in the arteries supplying the kidneys is completely blocked, the entire kidney or a portion of the kidney supplied by that artery dies (kidney infarction); this condition can lead to kidney failure.

Blood vessel disorders of the kidneys have a number of causes, including blockages in the renal (kidney) arteries or veins, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), and injury to the kidneys or blood vessels.

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