CT RENAL ANGIO

CT (Computed Tomography) Renal Angiography is a unique imaging technique which evaluates the blood vessels of the kidneys. It is beneficial in the management of various kidney problems like kidney stones, tumours, and other vascular issues. Patients are required to observe fasting for some hours before the test, avoid some drugs, and remove metal items that could hinder imaging.  

What is CT Renal Angiography? 

CT Renal Angiography is a non-invasive test which employs the use of x-rays and contrast material to display blood vessels in the kidneys. A contrast media is administered through an intravenous cannula at the arm and is expected to reach the kidneys through circulation. A CT scanner will take x-ray images of the vascular system during the circulation of the contrast material and obtain the images of the vascular system of the kidneys. 

Types of CT Renal Angiography 

The two major divisions of CT Renal Angiography are: 

• CT Renal Angiography Without Contrast: Applied in cases where evaluating renal blood supply is needed without a contrast agent. 
• Contrast-enhanced CT Renal Angiography: This test highlights the blood vessels of the kidneys using an injection of a contrast agent. 

List of Parameters Considered During CT Renal Angiography

The medical staff taking the examination will pay attention to the following parameters: 

• The diameter and the patency of blood vessels (need to be checked) 
• Blood perfusion and the flow of blood 
• Structure and the function of the kidneys 
• Tumours, stones, or any other vascular pathology, if present 
• Capture and excretion of the contrast agent 

Factors such as age, underlying illnesses, or metal implants might necessitate requiring adjustments for other vascular interventions and may affect the outcome is has to be taken into consideration. 

Reasons for Taking a CT Renal Angiography

You might need a CT Renal Angiography for the following reasons: 

• For any suspicious cases of kidney malignancies or tumours 
• Finding kidney stones or other blockages 
• Finding any pathological vascularization of the kidneys 
• Hypertension 
• Chronic kidney disease or failure 
• Haematuria 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Renal Angiography? 

Here are some of the reasons a doctor might suggest a CT Renal Angiography:  

• Haematuria (blood in urine) 
• Severe hypertension 
• Form of kidney disease, or renal failure 
• Malignancy or neoplasms of the kidney 
• Urolithiasis (kidney stones) or other obstructions 
• Atypical development of blood vessels within the kidney 

The following patients, for example, are likely to require the test:  

• Older adults likely to have renal diseases 
• History of kidney stones or tumours 
• Suffering from cardiovascular disorders 
• Patients with abnormal renal function test results 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The advantages of CT Renal Angiography include: 

• Treat and diagnose accurately any condition involving the kidneys 
• It is a low risk and relatively painless procedure 
• Very quick and convenient 
• Precise pictures that aid in effective assessment 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Renal Angiography

Frequent CT Renal Angiography may assist with the evaluation of: 

• Tumours and cancers of the kidney 
• Obstructions and stones located in the kidney 
• Pathological vascularization of the kidneys 
• Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure 
• High blood pressure 
• Conditions involving thrombosis 

Preparing for CT Renal Angiography

Before undergoing the test, every patient should: 

• Not ate for 4 to 6 hours before the test 
• Refrain from using some medicines like anticoagulants 
• Take off any metallic remains like earrings, spectacles, etc 
• Be dressed in loose clothes and avoid any tight clothing 

Pre-requisites 

Before taking the test, the following requirements should be met: 

• Performing blood tests for the assessment of kidney function 
• History and physical examination 
• Informed Consent 

Best Time to Take the Test 

Scheduling is flexible for the test, although early mornings are preferred to avoid wasted time. 

Eligibility 

The following patients are considered eligible:  

• Older adults who are suspected to have kidney disease or any associated conditions.  
• Patients with prior histories of kidney stones or tumours.  
• Patients suffering from hypertension or any form of cardiovascular disease. 

The outlined criteria exclude: 

• Women who are pregnant or nursing.  
• Dialysis patients suffering from end-stage kidney failure.  
• Patients with a metal fragment on foreign body or particular other ailments.  
• Patients with mental disabilities or dementia. 

Procedure for Taking a CT Renal Angiography 

The entire procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes and comprises:  

1. Instructions: The patient is place on the CT scanner's table, and an IV cannula is placed for easy injection of the contrast media.  
2. Infusion of contrast media: The contrast aiding medication is administered via the catheter.  
3. Scanning: The CT imaging device takes pictures of the blood vessels/whichever part of the body where the contrast is injected.  
4. Result Interpretation: A radiological inspection of the images obtained is performed in order to assess and analyse the possible existing kidney pathologies and anomaly vascular structures. Exercise  

Caution Before Taking the Test 

As a patient, you must: 

• Completely disclose any allergies and/or medical conditions or treatments you are currently undergoing to the technician. 
• Be attentive to all the preparation steps given. 
• Do remove any metals that can obstruct the picture that needs to be taken due during the imaging.