15th July 2024

Investigations & diagnosis

Serum electrolytes will be normal or appropriately deranged due to the degree of renal insufficiency. Urinalysis is generally bland; heavy proteinuria, blood or white cells should raise suspicion for an alternative diagnosis.  Screening for causes of secondary hypertension should be undertaken.

Urinary tract ultrasound is an inexpensive and non-invasive imaging technique and so should be used as a starting point.  CT angiography or MR angiography are acceptable detailed imaging modalities but if they are inconclusive and clinical suspicion remains high, catheter angiography may be considered.