What is a CT urogram? Procedure, uses, risks and results

A CT urogram is a test that uses a CT scan and a special contrast medium or dye that a doctor injects into a vein. The contrast dye provides a high quality image for doctors to look at the urinary system and make a diagnosis.

A CT scan is a form of medical imaging that allows doctors to see an image of the inside of the body without the need for surgery.

The CT scanner is a short tunnel that contains a rotating x-ray machine. A person sits in the scanner while the inner part rotates and takes a series of x-rays from different angles.

A computer then combines these images to allow the doctor to view cross sections or three-dimensional images of a particular area of ​​the body. Unlike traditional x-rays, which show bones, these images also show details of soft tissue and blood vessels.

In general, during a CT urogram:

• A doctor will do a non-contrast scan first. It can show kidney stones and major structural irregularities.
• They will then inject the contrast medium and a second scan will show the soft tissues of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands in more detail.
• They will then perform a third scan a few minutes later. This will show the contrast flowing into the bladder, which gives information about the collection systems of the kidneys and the bladder.

Doctors use CT urograms to examine the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Doctors can use CT scans to see if internal structures appear healthy and functioning properly and to look for any signs of disease.

A doctor may recommend a CT urogram if a person has blood in the urine, called hematuria, or pain in the groin or lower back.

The results of the urogram CT can help doctors diagnose conditions such as:

The steps of the urogram CT procedure may differ between hospitals or for each individual. In general, however, people can expect the following:

1. When the person arrives at the hospital, a doctor will explain the procedure to you. They can also provide a questionnaire for the person to complete.
2. The person will then change into a hospital gown. They should remove any jewelry as metal can interfere with the scanner.
3. The doctor will insert a small tube or cannula into the back of the person’s hand or arm.
4. The person will then go to the room containing the scanner.
5. The doctor may give the person furosemide, a medicine that increases urine output and can help with imaging.
6. The doctor will then inject a contrast dye into the cannula. The contrast dye may cause a person to feel warm and red, a metallic taste in the mouth, or a feeling of needing to urinate.
7. The person will lie down on the bed of the CT machine. They usually lie on their backs, but sometimes they may need to lie on their fronts.
8. Once the doctor is sure the person is in the correct position, they will leave the room. They can talk to the person through an intercom and see them through the control room window.
9. The bed moves back and forth through the central hole of the CT scanner as it takes detailed photos. During the scan, the person will likely hear the roaring noises of the scanner.
10. The doctor may ask the person to hold their breath, move out of their position, or use the bathroom to empty their bladder before continuing the exam.
11. When the scan is complete, the doctor will come back and lower the bed so that the person can get up easily.
12. The procedure will take approximately 90 minutes. It is usually painless.
13. After the urogram, the doctor will remove the cannula from the person’s arm.
14. The person should stay in the hospital for about 15 to 30 minutes to make sure that they have no reaction to the contrast dye and that they are feeling well.
15. The person can then go home and eat and drink normally.

For most people, a CT urogram is a safe procedure, but there are some possible risks. These include:

• Allergic reaction: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast medium. This reaction may manifest as itching, hives, weakness, sweating, or breathing problems. Medication can help manage any reactions.
• Bruises and swelling: It can appear around the injection site and can be painful.
• Kidney problems: The contrast material could have a negative impact on the kidneys. However, a doctor will check a person’s blood before the procedure to make sure their kidneys are working well.
• Radiation: A CT scan involves radiation, which can slightly increase a person’s risk of cancer in the future.
• During pregnancy: If the person is pregnant, the doctor may prefer to use another imaging test. It is important that people tell the doctor if they are pregnant or think they might be.

After the CT urogram, the radiologist will review and interpret the results. They will then forward the report to the person’s doctor.

Computed tomography urography is a preferred technique for providing accurate information to diagnose many urinary tract problems, including:

• kidney and bladder stones
• masses in the kidneys
• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• trauma
• urinary tract obstructions

This form of imaging can show subtle irregularities in the urinary system. These include papillary necrosis, which is a type of kidney injury, and renal tubular ectasia, which is a condition in which part of the kidneys develop.

However, a CT urogram may not detect all types of tumors, including some types of bladder tumors.

If a person has blood in the urine, a doctor may recommend a cystoscopy. This involves inserting a tube with a microscope attached into the urethra and bladder to examine them.

If a person has symptoms of the urinary tract, they should contact a doctor for advice.

Left untreated, urinary tract symptoms can lead to serious health problems. Likewise, untreated kidney infections can lead to problems such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, or kidney failure.

UTIs during pregnancy can also be dangerous for the pregnant person and the fetus.

If kidney stones are left untreated, they can block the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection and can put pressure on the kidneys.

If a doctor recommends a computed tomography urogram and the person has concerns about the procedure, they should discuss the possibility of having a mild sedative. Light sedation can help relieve anxiety and any feelings of claustrophobia during the procedure.

A doctor may recommend that a person have a CT urogram because they have experienced urinary tract symptoms.

The procedure involves injecting a special dye into a vein in the hand or arm. The person will then lie on a bed inside the scanner while it takes a series of x-rays. A computer will then form these x-rays into a high-quality image. The procedure takes about 90 minutes.

This form of imaging is extremely helpful in diagnosing urinary tract problems, such as kidney stones, cancer, or blockages.