Renal arteries CT angiography (CTA) is a non-invasive diagnostic method used to visualize the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. This technique involves using computed tomography (CT) combined with a contrast medium to obtain detailed images of the renal arteries and their branches.
 
Components:
Contrast Medium: Used to visualize the blood vessels on CT images.
CT Scanner: Device that performs a series of slices to capture images.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction: Allows detailed imaging of the renal arteries and their branches.
 
Applications: Renal arteries CTA is used to diagnose various conditions such as:
Renal Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the renal arteries, which may lead to secondary hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Aneurysms: Identifying abnormalities or dilations in the renal arteries.
Vascular Anomalies: Detecting congenital or structural abnormalities in the renal arteries.
Pre-Surgical Assessment: Evaluating the renal arteries before planned surgery or endovascular procedures.
Monitoring: Tracking the effectiveness of treatments for renal artery conditions or checking for post-traumatic damage.
 
Preparation:
Fasting: Avoid food for 4-6 hours before the procedure to prevent vomiting and enhance visualization.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to the procedure to improve vessel contrast.
Medical History: Inform the doctor of any allergies, kidney diseases, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, and any medications you are taking.
Injection Site Preparation: The area where the contrast medium will be injected should be cleaned and prepared.
 
Procedure:
The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table.
A contrast medium is administered intravenously through a catheter.
The CT scanner performs a series of scans of the kidney area.
Images are collected and processed for analysis.