Renal angiography, otherwise known as a renal vascular examination, is an imaging method of examining the vascularization of the kidneys and surrounding organs using x-rays and a contrast agent. What are the indications for angiography and how to prepare for it? How is the test done?

Kidney angiography (kidney)toimaging test , which allows you to examine the vascularization of the kidneys and surrounding organs. In the case of a narrowing of the renal artery, the examination allows to assess the level and degree of narrowing of the lumen of the vessel or vessels. During angiography through the inserted catheter, blood samples can be taken for testing (e.g. to determine the activity of the hormonal substance produced in the kidneys - renin).

Renal angiography: indications for the examination

  • hypertension
  • renal artery stenosis
  • vascular anomalies related to the urinary system (hemangiomas and accessory vessels)
  • kidney and adrenal tumors
  • renal tuberculosis
  • renal artery embolism
  • kidney injuries
  • assessment of vascularization of the transplanted kidney
  • hematuria of unknown origin

What is kidney angiography?

The image of the vessels and the organs innervated by them is obtained by administering a contrast agent through a special catheter into the abdominal aorta, in the vicinity of the exit of the renal arteries or directly into one of the renal arteries (so-called targeted angiography). Contrast is gradually excreted into the urinary tract, which allows you to perform urographic examination in the next stage.

Renal angiography: preparation for the test

You need to have a bowel movement the day before (an enema will help if necessary). You must come to the test on an empty stomach, otherwise the kidneys and urinary tract may be obscured by gases or faeces remaining in the intestines. If your body is dehydrated, you will be given extra fluids in the form of a drip on the day before or on the day of the test. You will also need to shave your groin before doing angiography.

How is kidney angiography going?

You lie down on your back. The doctor decontaminates the skin in the groin area and covers it with sterile cloths so as to leave only a small "window". Now it's time for local anesthesia. When it starts to work, the doctor finds the arteryfemoral and punctures it with a special needle through which he introduces a vascular catheter directly into one of the renal arteries or into the abdominal aorta where they leave. The catheter is then connected via a cable to an automatic syringe, which the doctor injects the contrast into the artery. Thanks to it, she can observe the work of blood vessels. After completion of the examination, he removes the catheter from the artery and places a pressure dressing over the puncture site.

The test usually takes several dozen minutes. The test result is provided in the form of a description with sometimes attached X-ray plates.

Renal angiography: possible complications

A hematoma appears relatively often at the site of the catheter insertion. Rarely, an allergic reaction to contrast agents may occur.

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Important

  • The test can be performed on patients of all ages and can be repeated many times.
  • Renal angiography is not performed in pregnant women and in the second half of the menstrual cycle, if fertilization may have occurred.

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