Does CT imaging affect kidney function?

CT examination has relatively little impact on kidney function; however, the specific effects depend on the type of examination and the patient's physical condition. 1. General effects: CT examinations, including renal CT, primarily use X-rays for cross-sectional imaging and thus involve some radiation exposure. However, under normal circumstances, this type of examination does not directly cause kidney damage. 2. Specific situations: For patients with impaired kidney function, contrast-enhanced CT requires the injection of a contrast agent, which may increase the burden on the kidneys and carry a risk of further deterioration of kidney function. Therefore, these patients require careful evaluation before undergoing such examinations. Before undergoing a CT examination, patients should inform their doctor of their medical history and physical condition, so that the doctor can perform an appropriate assessment and provide suitable recommendations.