Health Encyclopedia

Renal venogram

Definition

A renal venogram is a test to look at the veins in the kidney. It uses x-rays and a special dye (called contrast).

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can move through the body to form an image. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white and air will be black. Other structures will be shades of gray.

Veins are not normally seen in an x-ray. That is why the special dye is needed. The dye highlights the veins so they show up better on x-rays.

Alternative Names

Venogram - renal; Venography; Venogram - kidney

How the Test is Performed

This test is done in a health care facility with special equipment. You will lie on an x-ray table. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the dye is injected. You may ask for a calming medicine (sedative) if you are anxious about the test.

The health care provider places a needle into a vein, most often in the groin, but occasionally in the neck. Next, a flexible tube, called a catheter (which is the width of the tip of a pen), is inserted into the groin and moved through the vein until it reaches the vein in the kidney. A blood sample may be taken from each kidney. The contrast dye flows through this tube. X-rays are taken as the dye moves through the kidney veins.

This procedure is monitored by fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray that creates images on a TV screen.

Once the images are taken, the catheter is removed and a bandage is placed over the wound.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be told to avoid food and drinks for about 6 hours before the test. Your provider may tell you to stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners before the test. DO NOT stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider.

You will be asked to wear hospital clothing and to sign a consent form for the procedure. You will need to remove any jewelry from the area that is being studied.

Tell the provider if you:

Are pregnant
Have allergies to any medicine, contrast dye, or iodine
Have a history of bleeding problems

How the Test will Feel

You will lie flat on the x-ray table. There is often a cushion, but it is not as comfortable as a bed. You may feel a sting when the local anesthesia medicine is given. You will not feel the dye. You may feel some pressure and discomfort as the catheter is positioned. You may feel symptoms, such as flushing, when the dye is injected.

There may be mild tenderness and bruising at the site where the catheter was placed.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is not done very often anymore. It has largely been replaced by CT scan and MRI. In the past, the test was used to measure levels of kidney hormones.

Rarely, the test may be used to detect blood clots, tumors, and vein problems. Its most common use today is as part of an exam to treat varicose veins of the testicles or ovaries.

Normal Results

There should not be any clots or tumors in the kidney vein. The dye should flow quickly through the vein and not back up to the testes or ovaries.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

Blood clot that partially or completely blocks the vein
Kidney tumor
Vein problem

Risks

Risks from this test may include:

Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
Bleeding
Blood clots
Injury to a vein

There is low-level radiation exposure. However, most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

References

Perico N, Remuzzi A, Remuzzi G. Pathophysiology of proteinuria. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.

Pin RH, Ayad MT, Gillespie D. Venography. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 26.

Wymer DTG, Wymer DC. Imaging. In: Feehally J, Floege J, Tonelli M, Johnson RJ, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 5.

Review Date:1/9/2022
Reviewed By:Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.