Intravenous pyelogram

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Intravenous pyelogram

Kidney anatomy

Kidney - blood and urine flow

• You may be hungry and thirsty from not eating and drinking before the test.
• As the dye is injected, there may be a burning or flushing sensation in the arm and the body, and a metallic taste in the mouth. This is a normal occurrence and will quickly disappear.
• Some people develop headaches, nausea, or vomiting after the dye is injected.
• The compression device may cause pressure across the abdomen.

The procedure helps evaluate infections in the bladder and the kidneys, blood in the urine, flank pain (which may be from kidney stones), and tumors. It is also useful for evaluating the urinary tract for damage after an abdominal injury.

Recently, computed tomography (CT) has replaced IVP as the primary tool for evaluation of the urinary system. CT scans can be rapidly performed, use less contrast solution, and provide additional imaging of the abdomen which may reveal other potential sources for the patient's symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also being used to look at the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This test has the advantage of using no radiation. The choice of test is based on discussions between you and your doctor.

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.