A CT Urogram: Its Process, Applications, Hazards, and Outcomes
A CT urogram is a diagnostic test that uses a CT scan and a special contrast medium to provide detailed images of the urinary system. This non-invasive procedure is often used to diagnose various conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.
The process begins with a non-contrast scan, followed by the injection of a contrast dye, and concludes with a third scan. This sequence helps doctors visualize the urinary system in enhanced detail, aiding in the diagnosis of a range of urinary tract problems.
Conditions that a CT urogram can help diagnose include kidney and bladder stones, certain cancers like bladder cancer and renal (kidney) cancer, tumors in the ureters, urinary tract infections (UTIs), trauma, obstructions in the urinary tract, subtle irregularities such as papillary necrosis and renal tubular ectasia, but may not find all types of tumors, including some types of bladder tumors.
The contrast material used in a CT urogram may lead to bruising and swelling around the injection site, and in rare cases, could potentially impact the kidneys. A doctor will check a person's blood before the procedure to ensure that their kidneys are functioning properly. It's also worth noting that the CT scan involved in a CT urogram emits radiation, which can slightly increase someone's cancer risk in the future.
After the urogram, the person can go home and eat and drink normally. However, they may feel hot and flushed, have a metallic taste in the mouth, or feel as though they need to pass urine due to the contrast dye. In some cases, a drug called Furosemide may be given during the procedure to aid in imaging.
If a person is experiencing urinary tract symptoms, they should contact a doctor for advice. Untreated urinary tract symptoms can cause severe health issues, and untreated kidney infections can lead to problems such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, or kidney failure.
In some cases, a doctor may prefer to use another imaging test instead of a CT urogram if a person is pregnant. This is because the contrast material used in a CT urogram could potentially impact the fetus.
If a cystoscopy is necessary, it involves inserting a tube with a microscope attached into the urethra and bladder to examine them. This procedure is often recommended if initial findings from the CT urogram are inconclusive.
In summary, CT urograms are primarily used to evaluate hematuria (blood in urine) and help diagnose bladder cancer, kidney cancer, urinary tract stones, and other urinary tract abnormalities. If a person has any concerns about the procedure, they should discuss the possibility of having a mild sedative, which can help alleviate anxiety and any feelings of claustrophobia during the procedure. The procedure usually takes around 90 minutes and is usually painless. The person must stay in the hospital for around 15-30 minutes after the urogram to ensure they have no reaction to the contrast dye and are feeling well.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). CT Urogram. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-urogram/about/pac-20394665
[3] RadiologyInfo.org. (2021). CT Urogram (Intravenous Urography). [online] Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/ct-urogram-intravenous-urography
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). CT Urogram. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/tests/15049-ct-urogram-ivp
- The CT urogram aids in the diagnosis of various health-and-wellness conditions, including kidney stones and bladder cancer, by providing detailed images of the urinary system.
- The contrast dye used in a CT urogram can potentially impact kidney health, so a doctor may check a person's blood before the procedure to ensure kidney function is optimal.
- Predictive science suggests that the radiation emitted during a CT urogram could slightly increase a person's cancer risk in the future.
- In cases where the initial findings from a CT urogram are inconclusive, a doctor may suggest a cystoscopy for further examination, involving the insertion of a tube with a microscope attached into the urethra and bladder.
