VASODILATED EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY: AN IMPROVED SCREENING TEST FOR RENAL ARTERIAL STENOSIS?

Abstract

A small series of hypertensive patients has been screened for possible renovascular lesions by the addition of pharmacologic renal vasodilatation to the usual excretory urography examination. Renal size changes were measured planimetrically. It was demonstrated that significant increases in renal size can be elicited with this technique. Results of animal studies suggest that kidneys with significant arterial stenoses should not increase in size as much as those with a normal arterial supply. The theory of vascular influences on renal size is briefly discussed. Arterial stenoses were correctly predicted by vasodilated excretory urography in patients with unilateral and bilateral lesions. Preliminary experience suggests that renal vasodilatation may improve the screening potential of excretory urography.