Is the captopril test suitable as a screening test for renovascular hypertension in a general hypertensive population?

The goal of this study was to determine whether the captopril test is suitable as a screening tool for renovascular hypertension (RVH) in the primary care setting. Of the 100 consecutive patients with definite hypertension included in this prospective study, three (3%) were found to have RVH. The captopril test detected RVH with a 100% sensitivity, a 90% specificity, and a 23% positive predictive value by using the three combined criteria developed by the investigators at Cornell University. We conclude that the captopril test is a worthwhile screening test for RVH in an unselected, but well prepared, general hypertensive population with normal renal function.