Urology Care Foundation - What is an Angiography?

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What is Antegrade Pyelography?

Antegrade pyelography uses a special dye to see detailed x-ray images of the upper urinary tract (kidney and ureter).

It is used to diagnose hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and obstruction of the ureters from stricture (narrowing of ureter), kidney stones or tumors, for example.

Procedure

This exam may be done in a hospital or in a doctor’s office by a radiologist, urologist or x-ray technician. To begin, dye is injected right into the kidneys. This allows them to be seen more clearly on x-ray.

Either:

  • An ultrasound probe or a CT scan will be used to first find the kidneys. Then, the skin over the kidney will be numbed and a needle is passed to the kidney. Dye is inserted to outline the renal collection system. (This is the part of the urinary tract that drains urine between the kidney and bladder.) After this, x-ray images are taken to look for problems.

Or

  • More often, a patient has a tube that drains urine from the kidney (nephrostomy tube). Dye is injected through this tube into the urine collecting system. Then x-rays are taken and reviewed.

While pyelography is mostly safe, some people have a reaction to iodine in the contrast dye. Minor reactions may be hot flashes, nausea and vomiting. These are usually treated with antihistamines. (Drugs that reduce the body's allergic response.) Very rarely, an allergic reaction could be serious. For example, breathing trouble, low blood pressure, mouth or throat swelling and even cardiac arrest can occur.

It helps to talk with your health care team about your allergy history before you begin.

Exposure to radiation is low during this test. Still, a patient who is or may be pregnant should tell their health care team. A fetus should be protected from exposure when possible.

More Information

  • Why do you think this test will help me?
  • Could I have an allergic reaction to the contrast agent?
  • What other tests will I need for diagnosis or treatment?
  • If a problem is found, what are my next-steps?

Updated October 2024. 


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