Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasound
Specialist ultrasound assessment of the arteries supplying your kidneys at our Central London vascular ultrasound clinic.
Renal artery duplex scanning examines blood-flow patterns and velocities to investigate suspected renal artery narrowing, also known as renal artery stenosis.
Duplex Ultrasound
Doppler assessment of renal arterial blood flow and suspected narrowing.
What is a renal artery Doppler ultrasound?
A renal artery Doppler ultrasound, also called a renal artery duplex scan, is a non-invasive examination of blood flow in the arteries supplying the kidneys.
It combines ultrasound imaging with Doppler measurements to evaluate blood-flow velocities and waveforms. These measurements can help identify findings suggestive of renal artery stenosis.
The examination uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation and does not require intravenous contrast dye.
The results are considered alongside medical history, blood pressure, kidney function and any previous imaging.
Why might you need a renal artery ultrasound?
Renal artery duplex may be requested when a healthcare professional suspects a vascular cause of certain blood pressure or kidney problems.
Resistant Hypertension
Blood pressure that remains difficult to control despite appropriate treatment may warrant investigation for a renovascular cause.
Suspected Renal Artery Stenosis
Duplex ultrasound may help investigate suspected narrowing of one or both renal arteries.
Changes in Kidney Function
Certain patterns of declining renal function may prompt assessment of the blood supply to the kidneys.
Known Renal Artery Disease
Duplex may be used for surveillance of previously identified renal artery narrowing.
Post-Treatment Follow-Up
In selected cases, ultrasound can assess blood-flow patterns following renal artery intervention.
Specialist Referral
A vascular, renal or hypertension specialist may request renal artery duplex as part of a wider assessment.
What does a renal artery duplex scan assess?
The examination uses ultrasound and Doppler techniques to assess renal arterial circulation, where technically possible.
- Blood-flow velocities in the main renal arteries
- Doppler waveforms and flow patterns
- Abdominal aortic blood-flow measurements for comparison
- Intrarenal arterial waveforms where appropriate
- Findings that may suggest haemodynamically significant stenosis
- Relevant differences between the right and left renal arterial circulation
The extent of the examination depends on technical visibility and individual anatomy. Some arterial segments may not be visualised.
Renal artery duplex is technically demanding. Bowel gas, body habitus, breathing and anatomical variation may limit the examination. A technically limited or apparently normal scan cannot exclude every form of renal vascular disease. Further investigations, including CT or MR angiography, may be appropriate depending on the clinical picture.
What happens during a renal artery Doppler scan?
The examination is performed using ultrasound equipment placed against the skin of the abdomen.
Preparation
We confirm preparation instructions before your appointment. Fasting may be requested to reduce bowel gas and improve ultrasound visibility.
Positioning
You will usually lie on an examination couch. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath.
Duplex Assessment
Ultrasound imaging and Doppler measurements are used to assess renal arterial blood-flow patterns where visible.
Findings
Findings are documented to help inform the next stage of clinical assessment or management.
Can ultrasound detect renal artery stenosis?
Renal artery duplex can detect blood-flow changes that suggest narrowing within the renal arteries.
Doppler velocity measurements and waveform characteristics may provide evidence of clinically important stenosis.
However, ultrasound findings do not always establish the precise cause or severity of narrowing. Some patients require additional vascular imaging.
Renal artery ultrasound also does not directly measure how effectively the kidneys filter blood. Kidney function is evaluated through other clinical investigations.
Private renal artery ultrasound price
Transparent self-pay pricing for specialist vascular ultrasound at our Central London clinic.
Specialist duplex assessment of renal arterial blood-flow velocities and waveforms, subject to technical visibility.
Contact Tunica Diagnostics to discuss the examination and arrange a suitable appointment.
Request an Appointment →Renal Artery Doppler in London
Tunica Diagnostics
Until, 111 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0DT
Frequently asked questions
What is a renal artery Doppler ultrasound?
It is a specialist duplex ultrasound examination used to assess blood flow in the arteries supplying the kidneys. It can help investigate suspected renal artery narrowing.
How much does a private renal artery Doppler cost?
A renal artery Doppler ultrasound at Tunica Diagnostics costs £400.
Can renal artery narrowing cause high blood pressure?
Significant renal artery narrowing can contribute to high blood pressure in some patients. However, most hypertension is not caused by renal artery stenosis. Clinical assessment is important when deciding whether imaging is appropriate.
Do I need to fast before the scan?
Fasting is often recommended because bowel gas can make the renal arteries harder to see. We will confirm the preparation instructions when arranging your appointment. Do not stop prescribed medication unless advised by your treating clinician.
Is a renal artery Doppler scan painful?
The examination is generally well tolerated and does not involve needles or injections. Some pressure may be applied to the abdomen to obtain suitable images.
Does renal artery ultrasound use contrast dye?
Standard renal artery duplex ultrasound does not require intravenous contrast dye or ionising radiation.
Can a normal scan completely rule out renal artery disease?
Not always. Some arteries or arterial segments may be difficult to visualise. Additional imaging may be needed when clinical suspicion remains high.
Is this the same as a general kidney ultrasound?
No. A general renal ultrasound mainly examines kidney structure and related anatomy. Renal artery duplex specifically focuses on blood flow through the arteries supplying the kidneys.
Where is Tunica Diagnostics located?
Tunica Diagnostics is located at Until, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Request a renal artery Doppler appointment
Arrange a specialist renal artery duplex ultrasound assessment at our Central London clinic. Private examination price: £400.