Renovascular hypertension. Radiographic methods

In recent years the choice of radiographic methods available in the investigation of renovascular hypertension has increased significantly. It can be difficult for the clinician to decide which patients will benefit from screening and which modality to choose. This article seeks to address some of these issues. The role of the plain radiograph and intravenous urogram are briefly mentioned. Doppler ultrasound, MR, CT and conventional arteriography are discussed in detail. Their advantages and pitfalls are reviewed. In our institution ultrasound to document renal size and gadolinium-enhanced 3-D MRA are our recommended first-line investigations unless MRA is contraindicated. Digital subtraction arteriography is reserved for the small subgroup in which MRA fails to obtain an answer, for whatever reason.