intravenous pyelography (IVP); intravenous urography (IUP)

Introduction

Roentgenography of a part of the urinary system made opaque by the injection of an opaque medium into the bloodstream; also called excretory urography.

Indications

• provides detailed definition of urinary collecting system
• used to assess renal size & contour
• detection & localization of renal calculi
  • unexplained flank or abdominal pain in patients with renal stones
• qualitative assessment of renal function
• non-glomerular hematuria
• urinary tract infections
• voiding disorders
• poor screen for renovascular hypertension

Contraindications

• serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL

Complications

• large osmotic load (congestive heart failure)
• allergic reactions (5%)
  • premedicate with antihistamines & glucocorticoids
• hyperthyroidism from iodide load
• nephrotoxicity
  • especially in diabetic & azotemic patients

More general terms

• radiography (roentgenography)