Final answer:
Renal arteriography is performed when there is suspicion of renal artery stenosis, and it's not a routine test for hypertension or all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is one of several diagnostic tools that may include blood and urine tests, and other imaging studies to assess kidney function and identify potential issues affecting the kidneys.
Step-by-step explanation:
Renal arteriography, also known as renal angiography, is a diagnostic imaging test used to visualize the blood vessels of the kidneys. It is often performed when there is suspicion of renal artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. This condition can lead to hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Renal arteriography is not used as a routine screening test for hypertension nor is it performed on all patients with chronic kidney disease or for the evaluation of renal cysts. Instead, it is part of a series of diagnostic steps to specifically identify or confirm the presence of conditions like renal artery stenosis that may require more targeted interventions.
In cases where kidney function needs to be assessed, a range of other tests might be used, such as blood tests (like serum creatinine levels), urine tests (like urinalysis), and imaging studies including ultrasound or CT scans to determine the cause of renal problems and to differentiate between acute renal failure (ARF) and CKD. If a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys is detected, it can have significant implications for kidney health and function.