The utility of spiral computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis

Abstract

Background Renovascular hypertension occurs in 3-5% patients with arterial hypertension. The crucial diagnostic test is still intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA). However, it is an invasive test, with limited accessibility and high cost of realization. Computed tomography (CT) together with doppler ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance are the alternative methods of presentation of these arteries. The aim of the study is to evaluate of appliance of spiral computed tomography angiography in diagnostics of renovascular hypertension.
Material and methods The study had retrospective character. Results of spiral computed tomography angiography with results of digital subtraction angiography were compared. CT was performed on 98 patients; on 31 patients DSA was also performed.
Results The comparison of both imaging methods of renal arteries showed high accordance in localization and extent of stenosis in 28 of 31 patients (90.3%).
Conclusion Computed tomography angiography has a high specificity and sensitivity and compared to digital subtraction angiography it is much less invasive and inexpensive. The computed tomography angiography can be useful sceening test in the diagnostics of renal artery stenosis.