This is a test used to evaluate the kidneys. Renal ultrasounds are useful in diagnosing kidney stones along with other abnormalities of the kidneys. During this exam a qualified sonographer will apply warm gel on your stomach and use a transducer to obtain images of your kidneys. Doppler ultrasound may also be used to evaluate the renal artery. This is the artery which supplies blood to the kidneys.
I am coming in for this test what can I expect?
This exam will require you to lie on your back and occasionally roll onto your sides. The exam should last approximately 20 minutes. This is a painless and non-invasive exam. You may be asked to take in a deep breath and hold it during the exam, this will help the sonographer get the best picture possible. Special instructions for this test are: no food or drink, other than water, 6 hours prior to the exam.
Indications:
- Hypertension
- Lower back or abdominal pain
- Abnormal urine or blood test
- Important Facts:
Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the narrowing of the lining of the main artery that supplies the kidney. Depending on the degree of narrowing, patients can develop hypertension called renal vascular hypertension (RVH). This form of hypertension is the most common cause of secondary hypertension.
RVH occurs when RAS produces a critical narrowing of the artery that supplies one of the kidneys.
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radiologyinfo.org