Intravenous Pyelogram Test
Overview
An intravenous pyelogram, also called IVP or intravenous urography, is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays to examine the urinary system. This test helps doctors view the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, showing how well these organs handle fluid waste.
A healthcare provider injects a special dye into a vein, usually in the arm. The dye travels through the blood and highlights the urinary tract structures on a series of X-ray images. IVP is helpful for diagnosing:
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Urinary tract tumors
- Birth defects of the urinary system
Other Names: Intravenous pyelography, excretory urogram
Main Reasons for Performing This Test
Doctors often use an intravenous pyelogram when someone has symptoms like flank pain, blood in the urine, or recurring urinary tract infections. This test helps them figure out the cause of these signs and spot various medical conditions linked to the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Common reasons to use this test include:
- Checking for kidney stones.
- Detecting an enlarged prostate.
- Identifying urinary tract tumors or cysts.
- Finding evidence of scarring, obstructions, or other blockages.
- Diagnosing unusual changes in the urinary tract caused by congenital anomalies (problems present from birth, like medullary sponge kidney).
- Evaluating for kidney disease and kidney failure.
Doctors might recommend this test if a person has repeated problems with urinary tract infections, low back pain, or any signs pointing to blockages. It can also help monitor changes in kidney function by showing how urine flows from the kidneys into the bladder. If a newer test is not available or more details are needed, an intravenous pyelogram can provide helpful images for urology concerns.
Possible Complications
While intravenous pyelogram is usually considered safe, a few risks and side effects may arise. Most people do not have serious problems, but some reactions can occur due to the iodinated contrast dye. These can include:
- Warmth or flushing
- Metallic taste
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itching
- Hives
Some patients may have allergic reactions to the contrast dye. Most are mild, but rare cases can be severe, such as:
- Sudden low blood pressure
- Anaphylactic shock (a harmful allergic response that may cause breathing trouble)
- Cardiac arrest
This test exposes patients to a low level of radiation. If the patient is pregnant or suspects they could be, they should alert a healthcare provider, as an alternative test may be safer.
| Possible Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic reaction | Itching, hives, anaphylactic shock |
| Radiation exposure | Low risk, but present |
| Nausea, vomiting | Mild and usually short-lived |
| Metallic taste | Temporary, not dangerous |
Getting Ready for the Test
Before the procedure, patients should share any allergies, especially to iodine, with the healthcare team. Inform them about any medicines you are taking, like blood thinners or metformin.
Patients usually need to stop eating or drinking several hours before the exam. A mild laxative may be needed the night before to help clear stool. Drinking water to stay hydrated is often suggested. A healthcare provider will use an IV line for the contrast material.
What You Can Expect
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will ask the person to lie flat on an exam table, usually on their back. An X-ray machine is positioned above the abdomen area to capture images. At first, a regular X-ray shows the urinary system before any dye enters the body. Then, a radiologist or technician injects a special X-ray dye into a vein in the arm through an intravenous line.
As the dye moves through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, several X-ray images are taken at different time points. These images show how urine flows through the urinary tract. Toward the end, the person might need to urinate to empty the bladder. After returning to the table, a healthcare provider may take another X-ray image to see the now-empty bladder.
Key points:
- The test is usually done as an outpatient.
- The procedure uses X-rays, not a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound.
- The test helps show blockages or other problems in the urinary tract.
What Happens After the Test
When the procedure is over, the healthcare provider removes the intravenous line from the arm. The person can get dressed and return to normal activities. Drinking extra fluids is often suggested to flush the dye from the body. If any unusual symptoms occur, such as rash or trouble urinating, contact a health professional. No hospital stay is needed for this X-ray exam.
Test Findings
A radiologist carefully checks the X-ray images and creates a detailed report. The radiologist sends this report to the patient’s healthcare provider.
- Normal Results: No signs of blockage, stones, or abnormal growths in the urinary tract.
- Abnormal Results: Possible kidney stones, cysts, or other issues.
The healthcare provider explains the results during a later appointment.
