Is Coronary Angiogram Pre-Renal Transplant Safe?

A preemptive renal transplant is usually ideal for the appropriate candidate with advanced chronic kidney disease. The pre-transplant evaluation usually includes a cardiac work-up which culminates in a coronary angiogram. As we know, patients with advanced CKD are at risk for contrast induced nephropathy and therefore may hasten renal demise.

Contrary to the above fear, a study from the United Kingdom detailed in the Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology reveals data from a recent study that suggests coronary angiogram screening does not accelerate the decline in renal function in patients with advanced CKD prior to renal transplantation.