Diagnostic Testing/Cardiac/Renal Doppler

Renal artery Doppler ultrasound

Renal Doppler in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Renal artery Doppler ultrasound in Tunis: looks for narrowing in severe high blood pressure, kidney transplant follow-up, no injection.

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What is it?

A renal Doppler examines the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys, as well as the blood flow inside the kidneys. Depending on the referral, it is performed by a cardiologist, an angiologist (a doctor specialising in blood vessels) or a radiologist. It is mainly requested for severe high blood pressure that is hard to control despite several medicines, or that has appeared suddenly: narrowing of a renal artery (stenosis) may be the cause and can be treated. It is also used to monitor a transplanted kidney and to investigate some changes in kidney function. The renal arteries lie deep and gas in the bowel can block the ultrasound: the test is done on an empty stomach and can take quite a long time. No injection is needed.

When is it prescribed?

Severe or treatment-resistant high blood pressure

It looks for narrowing of a renal artery, a possible and sometimes curable cause of high blood pressure.

High blood pressure that appears suddenly or in a young person

These situations call for a search for a cause, including disease of the kidney arteries.

Kidney transplant follow-up

It checks that blood flows well in the transplanted kidney.

Unexplained decline in kidney function

It helps look for a vascular cause of reduced kidney function.

Preparation

1Do not eat for about 6 hours beforehand (no food, no smoking, no chewing gum; a little still water is allowed), unless told otherwise: gas in the bowel blocks the ultrasound

2Take your usual medicines with a little water, unless told otherwise

3Wear clothes that are easy to remove or roll up over the area to be examined

4Bring your latest blood test results (kidney function) and blood pressure readings

5Bring your referral, previous tests (Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, angiography) and any relevant reports

How the exam is performed

You lie on your back, then on your side

A gel is applied to the skin to help the ultrasound pass through; it may feel a little cold

The probe is pressed on the abdomen and flanks to reach the deep arteries

You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds

You may hear a rhythmic whooshing sound: this is the sound of blood flowing, picked up by the Doppler

The gel is wiped off at the end; you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes longer depending on conditions

Results

The doctor performing the test (cardiologist, angiologist or radiologist, depending on the referral) analyses the images and measurements during the examination, then writes a report. The report is given to you and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Risks and side effects

No X-rays: Doppler ultrasound uses only ultrasound waves

No injection or contrast agent

Painless; the pressure of the probe on the abdomen may be a little uncomfortable

In some people (bowel gas, excess weight), the arteries can be hard to see: another test may then be suggested

These risks remain rare. Your physician will explain them in detail before the exam.

Request a quote

Request your quote online or call us on the number below:

Request a Quote +216 36 402 034

At a glance

Duration: About 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes longer depending on conditions

Preparation: Required

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