Renal arteriography

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Kidney anatomy

Kidney - blood and urine flow

Renal arteries

Renal angiogram; Angiography - renal

The procedure is generally safe, but risks may include:

• Allergic reaction to the dye (contrast medium)
• 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 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.

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

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) can be performed on those who can not have a renal arteriography exam. MRA is non-invasive and can provide similar imaging of the renal vessels.

Review Date: 05/03/2006
Reviewed By: Neil Grossman, MD, MetroWest Radiology Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.