Introduction
The kidneys' primary function is to filter waste from the circulation. They also maintain the body's mineral and fluid balance. The production of hormones is another of the kidneys' roles.
Renin maintains normal blood pressure. High blood pressure can occur in people with renal disease and is linked to several issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Erythropoietin instructs the body to produce erythrocytes. Anemia may occur if this hormone is deficient. Additionally, they aid in the conversion of vitamin D so that calcium may be absorbed by the body.
How Does A Renal Angiography Work?
An imaging examination called a renal angiography looks at the blood veins in the kidneys. It is a tool that the healthcare professional might use to examine blood vessel blockages, stenosis, or ballooning of the blood vessel. Additionally, he or she can assess how well blood is getting to the kidneys.
In order to do the test, the radiologist will inject a contrast dye into the kidney's supplying artery. The dye is then monitored as it passes through the kidney's blood arteries using X-ray pictures.
To make photographs of the interior organs and bones, X-rays use a small quantity of radiation. One kind of this is renal angiography. Renal angiography uses fluoroscopy. An X-ray film is one type of fluoroscopy.
Why Would Renal Angiography Be Necessary?
To assist the healthcare professional in identifying issues with the kidneys' blood arteries, one could require a renal angiography. These issues could consist of:
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Aneurysm or bulging of a blood vessel.
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Stenosis or blood vessel narrowing.
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Vasospasm or blood vascular spasm.
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Arteriovenous malformation - An anomalous vein-artery junction.
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Hemorrhage (thrombosis)
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Obstruction (occlusion)
A renal angiography might also be necessary for the doctor to diagnose:
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Cancers-related bleeding.
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Kidney transplant complications.
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If the clinician felt that further testing, like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan, was not providing enough information, one might require a renal angiography.
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The physician might suggest a renal angiography for additional reasons.
What Are the Dangers that Come With Having a Renal Angiogram?
One might wish to find out how much radiation was utilized in the test from the healthcare practitioner. Inquire about the risks as they pertain to one as well.
Take note of every X-ray one receives, even those from previous scans and X-rays taken for unrelated medical conditions. Show the provider this list. The overall number of X-rays and treatments may have an impact on the risk of radiation exposure.
Inform the medical professional if one:
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Pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
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Pregnancy-related radiation exposure has been linked to birth abnormalities.
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Hypersensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, or contrast dye. Due to the use of contrast dye, an allergic reaction to the dye is possible.
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Suffering from renal failure or other issues. Kidney failure may occasionally result from the use of contrast dye.
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If one uses certain medications for diabetes, the chance of this increases.
The following are potential side effects of a renal angiogram:
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Gushing blood.
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Damage to the nerves.
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Haemorrhage (thrombus).
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Hemostasis, or swelling brought on by an accumulation of blood.
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Virus infection.
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Transient renal failure.
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Injury to the arterial wall or an artery. Blood clots may result from this.
What Are the Preparations for a Kidney Angiogram?
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The process will be explained to one by the healthcare provider. Ask any questions one may have on the process to him or her.
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It is possible that one will be required to sign a consent document authorizing the procedure. Carefully review the form, and if something is unclear, feel free to ask questions.
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Prior to the treatment, one will be instructed to fast from food and water. The length of the fast will be advised by the healthcare provider. It could take a few hours or even overnight.
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If one suspects one could be pregnant, let the healthcare provider know.
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If one has an allergy to iodine or contrast dye, let the healthcare professional know.
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Inform the medical professional if one has an allergy to or is sensitive to latex tape, medications, or anesthetics (both local and general).
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Inform the healthcare practitioner of all the medications one uses. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements fall under this category.
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Inform the medical professional if one has ever experienced a bleeding condition. Additionally, let the doctor know if one takes Aspirin, any other medications or herbal supplements that alter blood clotting, or blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants). Before the test, one might need to stop using these medications.
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Before the exam, one might be given medication to help one relax (sedative).
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The recovery period could be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the place where the contrast dye injection was performed. They might have to stay the night.
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Before the procedure, a blood test may be necessary to determine how long it will take for the blood to clot. Further blood tests can also be required.
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Observe any further preparation instructions provided by the provider.
How Does a Renal Angiography Proceed?
A renal angiography can be performed as part of a hospital stay or as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the situation and the procedures used by the healthcare practitioner, the test may be performed differently.
A renal angiography often comes next in this sequence:
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Any jewellery, clothing, or other anything that could obstruct the test will need to be taken off.
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A gown will be provided for one to wear.
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Before the test, one will be asked to empty the bladder. The X-ray table will be where one lies.
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The hand or arm will receive an intravenous (IV) line.
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An EKG monitor will be linked to one. Throughout the exam, the electrical activity of the heart will be captured, and the medical personnel will monitor the blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
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The pulses below the site of the contrast dye injection will be monitored by the radiologist. He or she will make a note of them with a marker so that, following the test, personnel may assess the circulation to the limb beneath the spot.
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The groin area will be shaved by the nurse or technician. After cleansing the skin, he or she will administer a local anesthetic. A needle will be inserted into an artery in the groin by the radiologist. On occasion, an artery near the elbow may be utilized in its place. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on the arm beneath the IV site if the elbow site is chosen. To prevent the contrast dye from entering the lower arm, it will be inflated.
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The radiologist will insert a catheter—a long, thin tube—into the artery. In the vicinity of the renal arteries in the aorta, he or she will insert the catheter. The radiologist will use fluoroscopy to locate the catheter.
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The contrast dye will be injected by the radiologist. Flushing, a metallic or salty taste in the mouth, a momentary headache, nausea, or vomiting are possible side effects. These symptoms typically pass quickly.
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Inform the radiologist if one experiences palpitations, sweating, numbness, or difficulty breathing.
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The radiologist will capture many sets of images for the X-rays. Arteries are displayed in the first set. The blood flow via the veins and capillaries is depicted in the second set.
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The number of contrast dye injections required may vary according to the study being conducted.
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The radiologist will remove the catheter after the test is finished. To stop the artery from bleeding, he or she will apply pressure to the area.
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He or she will apply a dressing to the area once the bleeding has stopped. For a while, the radiologist might place something weighty there. This will assist in halting bleeding.
Conclusion
To get a better look at the blood supply to the kidneys, get an angiography. The procedure involves puncturing the artery while under local anesthesia, then injecting contrast (dye) to highlight the blood vessels for an X-ray of the arteries. Renal artery angioplasty, which involves stretching the narrowed renal arteries with a balloon, can increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, and preserve improved kidney function.
