What is the likely physical examination finding in renal artery stenosis?

What is the likely physical examination finding in renal artery stenosis?

• A. Bruit
• B. Abdominal mass
• C. Edema
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

In renal artery stenosis, a narrowed renal artery causes turbulent blood flow as the blood passes through the constricted segment. That turbulence creates a vibration detectable with a stethoscope, heard as a renal bruit over the abdomen (often near the flank or epigastric region on the side of the affected kidney). This vascular bruit is a classic physical exam clue for renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis. Other findings listed don’t fit as well: an abdominal mass points to a different structural lesion like an aneurysm or tumor; edema is a nonspecific sign of fluid overload or kidney disease; hypotension is not a typical standalone finding in renal artery stenosis—though severe cases or certain drug effects can alter blood pressure, the presence of a renal bruit specifically points to turbulent flow from stenosis.

In renal artery stenosis, a narrowed renal artery causes turbulent blood flow as the blood passes through the constricted segment. That turbulence creates a vibration detectable with a stethoscope, heard as a renal bruit over the abdomen (often near the flank or epigastric region on the side of the affected kidney). This vascular bruit is a classic physical exam clue for renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis.

Other findings listed don’t fit as well: an abdominal mass points to a different structural lesion like an aneurysm or tumor; edema is a nonspecific sign of fluid overload or kidney disease; hypotension is not a typical standalone finding in renal artery stenosis—though severe cases or certain drug effects can alter blood pressure, the presence of a renal bruit specifically points to turbulent flow from stenosis.