Renal Arteriography

Renal Arteriography

Renal Arteriography is an imaging technique used to obtain a visual representation of the patient’s kidney. This procedure is also known under the name of renal angiogram. The images are obtained through an x-ray machine, with the aid of contrast dyes.

Renal Arteriography will offer a visual representation of the blood vessels in the patient’s kidney, and may be used to detect aneurysms or renal stenosis (a widening or a narrowing of the kidney blood vessels), blood clots, kidney failure or other kidney disease. Often, this procedure is employed prior to renal transplant operations in order to determine the number of veins and arteries in the kidney, in both the donor and the recipient. Renal Arteriography may be employed in the case of patients suffering from acute renal arterial occlusion, renal artery stenosis, acute renal failure, renal cell carcinoma or atheroembolic renal disease. Of course, this procedure may be deemed necessary in a large number of situations, and not all of them are listed here. Your personal health care professional will inform you regarding the reasons you should undergo this medical procedure.

This procedure may be employed as an alternative to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, another imaging technique), in the case of patients who are unable to undergo such scans. However, angiography has its own contraindications – such as bleeding tendencies, certain bleeding disorders or pregnancy. For patients affected by such bleeding disorders or for pregnant patients, the personal health care professional may direct the use of MRI or other imaging techniques. It is always best that you consult with your personal physician in determining which procedure would be best suited for you. The physician will inform you regarding the benefits of the procedure, as well as regarding the associated possible risks.

Renal Arteriography Description

The Renal Arteriography procedure may only be performed in a hospital or in a clinic, where the appropriate x-ray facilities are available. The patient is laid on an x-ray table and the health care professionals clean and shave the area of the body where the insertion will be made – typically in the groin area. Local anesthetics are applied, and a needle is inserted into the artery. Once the needle has been properly positioned, a thin wire is inserted through it; the needle is removed and a catheter (a special narrow flexible tube) is inserted in its place. Special x-ray pictures of the patient’s body are displayed on a screen with the help of a fluoroscope; these aid the health care professionals to maneuver the catheter into its position. The catheter passes over the wire and is directed through the main pelvic blood vessels into the aorta, while special contrast agents are pumped through the catheter in order to block the x-rays, allowing the blood vessels to appear on the x-ray images. Also, saline and blood thinners may be administered as well through the catheter in order to prevent the formation of blood clots.

A variation of this procedure involves the use of a computer to “erase” the tissues and bones otherwise visible in normal x-rays from the final displayed picture. This procedure is called digital subtraction angiography, and may be used instead of a normal Renal Arteriography procedure. After the x-ray pictures are taken and stored for later examination, the catheter is removed; the supervising health care professional will apply pressure to the site for up to 15 minutes, in order to stop the bleeding, then will check the area again and apply a bandage. The patient is advised to keep his or her leg straight after the procedure for around 6 hours, after which he or she may resume normal activities.

Patients undergoing Renal Arteriography are exposed to a number of risks, from allergic reactions to the contrast agents to damage to the blood vessels – however, with the medical expertise and the tests the patient is required to undergo prior to the procedure, the actual chances of such complications are very low.

Renal Arteriography Related Medication

Renal Arteriography relies on the use of contrast agents (otherwise known under the name of contrast dyes) in order to produce an accurate image of the blood vessels in the patient’s kidney. One of the most common substances employed as a contrast agent is Ioversol. This substance, as well as most other contrast dyes, is based on Iodine which is known for its ability to absorb x-rays. Administration of Ioversol or any other Iodine based products into the patient’s blood stream will allow the blood vessels to appear clearly visible in the x-ray images. Ioversol is administered to the patient through an intra-venous injection, and this operation may only be performed in a specialized health care facility such as a hospital or a clinic. An authorized health care professional will supervise the administration of the substance.

As Iodine-based solutions may cause dehydration, all patients who undergo Renal Arteriography are required to consume extra quantities of fluids both before and after the procedure. Dehydration is a severe medical condition with major impact on the patient’s kidneys and as such this aspect may not be neglected under any circumstances. Also, the patient should be aware that administration of Iodine-based products may affect certain thyroid tests and their results, and notify their personal health care professionals accordingly.

Although typically Ioversol is safe to use and does not cause any side effects in the vast majority of patients, in some cases certain adverse reactions may appear. In general, these adverse manifestations are transitory and mild; however in extremely rare circumstances the side effects may become severe and may require emergency medical attention. Some of the most common symptoms noted in patients affected by such adverse reactions are muscle pain or weakness, convulsions, urination problems, fainting, chest pain, nausea, easy bleeding and bruising, wheezing, lightheadedness, swelling, skin changes, redness or rashes and headaches. Any such symptoms should be immediately brought to the attention of the supervising health care professionals so that they may investigate the causes.

Please note that there may be additional symptoms and side effects associated with Ioversol, which are not listed here. Prior to and at any time after undergoing Renal Arteriography, you may consult your personal health care professional in order to obtain a full list of the possible side effects associated with the use of contrast agents.