Simultaneous structural and functional imaging of the transplant kidney using digital subtraction angiography

We herein describe our preliminary experience with digital subtraction angiography in the noninvasive evaluation of renal transplant structure and function. A single digital subtraction angiography study was obtained in 38 patients with transplant kidneys and various levels of renal function. The main renal artery was demonstrated well in all studies. Stored digital information was used to generate appearance and clearance rates of contrast medium to produce a functional renal image. There was good correlation between the functional image pattern on digital subtraction angiography and the known degree of renal functional impairment. No adverse effects resulted from the small dose of intravenous contrast material used for angiography. This initial study suggests that digital subtraction angiography is a rapid, safe and noninvasive method for visualization of the transplant kidney, and can afford clinically relevant structural and functional information.