What is the primary indication for performing a renal angiography?

The primary indication for performing a renal angiography is to evaluate renal arterial stenosis. Renal angiography is a specialized imaging technique that visualizes the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. This procedure is critical in identifying any narrowing or blockage within the renal arteries, which can significantly impact kidney function and blood pressure regulation.

Renal arterial stenosis can lead to hypertension and renal impairment, making it essential to diagnose and evaluate this condition accurately. Angiography provides detailed images that can reveal abnormalities such as plaque buildup, fibromuscular dysplasia, or other vascular diseases affecting the renal arteries.

While assessing kidney function and diagnosing kidney stones are important aspects of renal health, they generally involve different imaging modalities or techniques, such as ultrasound or CT scans. Monitoring renal transplant status is also crucial, but it primarily focuses on the anatomical integrity and perfusion of the transplanted organ rather than the status of the renal arteries themselves. Thus, renal angiography is specifically indicated for examining renal arterial stenosis, which is the most direct reason for employing this imaging technique in a clinical setting.