Angiography of the Transplanted Kidney

Abstract

Thirty angiographic examinations of transplanted kidneys were carried out in 24 patients.

When the kidney function was satisfactory the angiographic appearances were characterized by a rapid passage of contrast medium, good filling of the peripheral branches, and a dense nephrographic phase with sharp delineation between the medulla and cortex.

In kidneys with a reversible impairment in function the appearances were similar, although the passage time was sometimes slightly prolonged. The renal failure in these cases was probably caused by tubular necrosis or slight reversible rejection. The prognosis as to renal function was good.

When the kidney function was impaired by irreversible rejection the appearances differed, showing marked prolongation of the passage time, absent filling of the peripheral branches, and low contrast density in the nephrographic phase.

The angiographic examinations had no detectable adverse effects. It is concluded that angiography of the transplanted kidney is helpful to differentiation of the causes of failure of the transplant.