Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Renal arteriography

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Renal angiogram; Angiography - kidney


What the risks are

The procedure is generally safe, but risks may include:

  • Allergic reaction to the dye (contrast medium)
  • Arterial occlusion from dissection
  • Damage to artery or artery wall, which can lead to blood clots

There is low radiation exposure. However, most experts feel that the risk related to most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day, such as driving in cars. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks related to x-rays.


Special considerations

The test should NOT be done if you are pregnant or tend to bleed.

Magnetic resonance angiography can be done on those who cannot have a renal arteriography exam. MRA is noninvasive, and can provide similar imaging of the kidney arteries.


Review Date: 05/13/2010
Reviewed By: Benjamin Taragin MD, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)