Transjugular renal biopsy

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Transjugular renal biopsy can be performed to obtain an adequate tissue sample for histopathologic diagnosis on renal dysfunctions. It is usually performed in high-risk patients in whom percutaneous renal biopsy is not feasible or is contraindicated. This is also useful in morbidly obese patients - where the conventional percutaneous renal biopsy may be difficult.

This procedure is also an option in situations such as multiorgan biopsy or on situations when you cannot wait for the biologic effects of an antivitamin K or antiplatelet drugs to disappear.

The preferred technique is right internal jugular vein puncture, sheath placement, selection of the right renal vein and access to the lower pole tributary. The ultrasound may be used to locate the tip of the biopsy needle at the lower pole and the available renal cortical thickness.

See also

  • image guided percutaneous renal biopsy