Renal arteriography in the evaluation of unexplained hypertension in children and adolescents.

Arteriography demonstrated renal artery stenosis in 24% of 101 selected patients whose hypertension was first diagnosed before the age of 20 years. Arteriographic findings were normal in 58%. The prevalence of RAS was greater in the younger than in the older age groups. An abdominal bruit and urographic abnormalities were frequently observed in association with RAS. Adequate follow-up information was available for 16 patients who underwent vascular repair or nephrectomy for RAS. In 14 of the 16, the hypertension was eliminated (81%) or definitely reduced (6%).