Kidney angiogram: What is it like? Why did you have it done?

@carolak I haven't had this procedure done, but I am curious about your question. Are the doctors asking you to consider this? If so, why?

A contrast dye is used for a renal angiogram. If you have compromised kidneys, and have kidney function already decreased, this might not be the best decision to do. In about 25% of patients, there is kidney failure due to acute kidney injury caused by the contrast dye. So, you need to make sure you are aware of that possibility.
Ginger

Oh wow. Great information. I have had gross hematuria and the Ct scans and scopes show normal. Dr thinks blood coming from kidneys. And suggested this procedure. She did not mention anything about the test causing kidney failure. Geesh. Why do you say that ? Thank you for responding

Hi
I am shocked to read this. I've had this procedure in the early stages of being referred in for protein in urine and hospital not finding a plausible reason for my CKD (one kidney was showing as scared and they didn't know why so decided in this procedure with the dye to see if it could provide a more plausible reason. It did not and I have since been on various meds and my kidney function has been depleting at an incredible rate. You are now making me ask the question has this procedure added to the rapid decline?
I had full function in one kidney and I think 45% function in another. This was about 7 years ago. Today I have 22% in one and they are now telling me the other must also be impacted but they are not sure by what % until they do another procedure. Are they trying to kill me I am wondering? They also now want to put me on Dapaglifozin a medication for diabetes. I don't have diabetes.
The side effects of Dapaglifozin are horrendous including death. I am very concerned

@carolak @b2byrne
One thing is to be aware of your current level of kidney function, that is, your eGFR. Most clinicians will hesitate to initiate a procedure if the patient's eGFR is 30% or less. That goes for anything requiring contrast. It takes a toll on the kidneys to clear the system, and can lead to severe problems.

Sometimes a patient has to have a dialysis session to help the kidneys clear contrast. I have a friend who recently has this happen. She is already on dialysis, by the way, and this was an added session. From Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/contrast-induced-nephropathy#prevalence

In the end, it is your decision. The reasons for a contrast study can vary, and all risks need to be addressed. @carolak, has there been any discussion about doing MRI or ultrasound as the source of your hematuria is researched?
Ginger

Oh my gosh. Thank you for your response. Scares the bjesus out of me reading this. I most definitely will do much more due diligence. I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. Be well and thank you

Thank you for your response.
No mention of MRI or ultrasound. They continue to want to do the same thing. Wait for active bleeding. Nd then cystoscope. And of course CT scans are clear. I’m going to do a lot more research before I agree to that procedure. But had I not come across this site and comments from many I would have not known these things. Thank you all !!

Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel the need to. Anytime we patients feel uncomfortable in what our medical team is saying, it bears further investigation. That is just my opinion and experience. I hope the situation is figured out soon because this has to be pretty upsetting to you, am I right?
Ginger