Which imaging modalities are used to screen for renal artery disease?

• A. US, MRI and CT
• B. X-ray only
• C. PET-CT only
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Screening for renal artery disease relies on noninvasive vascular imaging that can visualize the renal arteries and assess blood flow. Duplex ultrasound is often used first because it can detect abnormal flow patterns and elevated velocities at a stenotic segment, suggesting narrowing of the artery. If ultrasound findings are inconclusive or a clearer map of the anatomy is needed, cross-sectional imaging with MR angiography or CT angiography provides detailed pictures of the renal arteries, showing the location and extent of any narrowing. MR angiography is useful when iodinated contrast is a concern, while CT angiography offers rapid, high-resolution visualization, albeit with radiation and contrast considerations. X-ray alone doesn’t image the renal arteries well for screening, and PET-CT isn’t a standard tool for this purpose. Therefore, US, MRI (MR angiography), and CT (CT angiography) are the imaging modalities used to screen for renal artery disease.