Where is renal atherosclerotic disease most commonly located?

Renal atherosclerotic disease is most commonly located in the proximal renal artery. This region is particularly susceptible to atherosclerosis due to hemodynamic factors and the arterial anatomy. The proximal segment of the renal arteries experiences higher shear stress as it branches off the aorta, making it more prone to the buildup of plaques associated with atherosclerotic disease.

As atherosclerosis progresses, it can lead to significant stenosis or occlusion, which can impair blood flow to the kidneys, subsequently affecting renal function. Understanding this location is crucial for clinical practice as it directs diagnostic imaging and interventions.

While the distal renal artery can also be involved, it is less common for significant atherosclerotic changes to occur there compared to the proximal segment. Meanwhile, the mid renal artery may show some changes, but the prevalence is not as high as that of the proximal renal artery. The aortic bifurcation is relevant to vascular pathologies but is not the site of renal atherosclerotic disease itself. Thus, identifying the proximal renal artery as a key area for atherosclerotic disease is essential for managing renal vascular conditions.