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Ency. home > Test > R > Renal arteriography

Renal arteriography    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Definition:

A test to examine the blood vessels of the kidneys, using a contrast material and X-rays. See also renal venogram.

The arteries are not normally seen in an X-ray, so a contrast material is injected into one or more arteries so they may be seen. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like radio waves or light). The wave length is very short and is capable of penetrating the body and producing a shadow picture of the structures inside the body. Some of the X-rays are absorbed by the body tissues, while other X-rays will pass through. The denser tissues, such as bone, appear on the film as white. Less dense tissues, such as muscles, appear as gray; and empty spaces on the X-ray appear as black.

How the Test is Performed

This test is done in the hospital. You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table. The area where the contrast medium will be introduced is shaved and cleansed. The site is usually in the leg. A local anesthetic is given and a needle is inserted into the artery.

A thin wire is then put through the needle and into the artery and the needle is removed. A catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) is threaded over the wire and into the artery. The catheter is threaded through the main vessels of the abdomen. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects the images on a TV monitor).

The contrast medium is then injected into the renal artery through the catheter, and the X-ray pictures are taken. The catheter is kept open by flushing it periodically with a saline solution containing heparin, which will keep the blood in the catheter from clotting. After the X-rays are taken, the catheter is withdrawn. Pressure is immediately applied to the leg at the site of insertion for 10 to 15 minutes or more to stop the bleeding. After that time, the area is checked and a tight bandage is applied. The leg should be kept straight for an additional 12 hours after the procedure.

How to Prepare for the Test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant and if you have ever had any bleeding problems. Report any allergic reactions to X-ray contrast material or any iodine substance and any other allergic reactions you have had.

You must sign a consent form. Food and fluids will be restricted 8 hours before the test. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and asked to remove all jewelry. You may be given a sedative or pain pill before the procedure.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

The X-ray table is hard and cold; you may ask for a blanket or pillow. There is a sting when the anesthetic is given. This does not numb the artery so there will be brief, sharp pain as the catheter is inserted. There is a feeling of pressure as the catheter is advanced. As the dye is injected, there may be a warm or burning sensation.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is done to evaluate the blood vessels in the kidney. The test may detect stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel), blood clots, or aneurysm (a sac filled with blood caused by a widening of the vein or artery). The test may help evaluate kidney disease or failure, tumors, or kidney function. It is used to evaluate donors and recipients before transplantation of a kidney.

Ency. home > Test > R > Renal arteriography

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