Renal Venogram
Alternate Names : Venogram - Renal
Definition
A renal venogram is a way to visualize the veins of the kidney using contrast material and X-rays.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
Veins are not normally seen in an X-ray, so a contrast material is injected into the vein to make it visible. In this test, the contrast material is injected into the renal vein.
See also renal arteriography.
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Why is the Test Performed?
The test will detect thrombosis (presence of a blood clot or clots that partially or completely blocks the vessel), tumors, and venous abnormalities. The test may also be used to measure hormone levels produced by the kidney.
This test is now performed only on rare occasions and has largely been replaced by CT scan and MRI.
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