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Renal arteriography - Risks

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/13/2010
  • 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.
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