Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Reviewed

Also called: excretory urography, intravenous urography

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) uses x-rays and contrast dye to take pictures of your urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, ureters). In males, it can also show the prostate. It is used to help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, blood in urine, or frequent urination, and to diagnose disorders like kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate. IVP is not commonly used anymore; CT scans are usually preferred. But IVP may be useful in certain situations. Your provider can explain the pros and cons.

Specimen: none

Urgent safety information

none

Why this test may be ordered

  • To help find the cause of symptoms that may involve the urinary tract or prostate, such as pain in your side or back, sharp pains in your abdomen, side, groin, or back, blood in your urine, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, pain when urinating, needing to urinate frequently or not being able to urinate, nausea and vomiting, swelling in your feet or legs, fever and chills.
  • To help diagnose disorders such as kidney stones, stones in the bladder or ureters, kidney cysts, enlarged prostate (BPH), tumors in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters (cancerous and not cancerous), birth defects that affect the structure of the urinary tract, or scarring from a urinary tract infection (UTI).
  • If you have had many urinary tract infections or have had an injury that may have damaged your urinary organs.

Preparation and collection

You will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) after midnight on the night before your test. You may also be asked to take a mild laxative the evening before the IVP. Your provider will give you specific instructions.

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There is a small chance you could have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Reactions can often be managed with medicine. Serious reactions are rare. Certain conditions such as other allergies, congestive heart failure, or diabetes may increase the risk. When the contrast dye is injected, you may feel itchy, warm, or queasy, and some people have a metallic taste in their mouth. These feelings are harmless and usually go away quickly. An IVP delivers a low dose of radiation. The dose is safe for most people, but it can be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Understanding results

Your IVP images will be studied by a diagnostic radiologist, who will send a report to your provider. The report will explain exactly what the x-rays showed. In general, results are described as normal or abnormal. Ask your provider to explain your report and diagnosis.

  • Normal: Normal – the organs of your urinary tract looked normal, no blockages were seen, and your kidneys, ureters, and bladder worked normally to filter the dye and pass it out of your body. In males, the prostate was the right size and no problems were seen. Limitation: If you have certain conditions (e.g., allergies, congestive heart failure, diabetes), tell your provider; you may be able to take medicine before the IVP to reduce the chance of reacting to the dye. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Next step: No further testing may be needed. Your provider will discuss any follow-up based on your symptoms and overall health.
  • Abnormal: Abnormal – something irregular was found on your IVP images. Examples include: one or more urinary tract organs not appearing the right size, shape, or in the usual place; a tumor, stone, cyst, injury, scar, or other abnormal tissue that may block urine flow; the urinary tract not filtering the dye or passing it out as quickly or completely as it should; or in males, the prostate being larger than normal. Limitation: If you have certain conditions (e.g., allergies, congestive heart failure, diabetes), tell your provider; you may be able to take medicine before the IVP to reduce the chance of reacting to the dye. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Next step: Your provider will explain the specific finding and may recommend additional tests or treatments based on the cause.
  • There is a small chance you could have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Reactions can often be managed with medicine. Serious reactions are rare. Certain conditions such as other allergies, congestive heart failure, or diabetes may increase the risk.
  • When the contrast dye is injected, you may feel itchy, warm, or queasy. Some people have a metallic taste in their mouth. These feelings are harmless and usually go away quickly.
  • An IVP delivers a low dose of radiation. The dose is safe for most people, but it can be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

What to do next

Your IVP images will be studied by a diagnostic radiologist, who will send a report with your IVP results to your healthcare provider. The report will explain exactly what the x-rays showed. Ask your provider to explain your report and diagnosis.

  • You may need an IVP if you have symptoms of a urinary tract disorder, such as: pain in your side or back; sharp pains in your abdomen, side, groin, or back; blood in your urine; cloudy or bad-smelling urine; pain when urinating; needing to urinate frequently or not being able to urinate; nausea and vomiting; swelling in your feet or legs; fever and chills.
  • You may also need an IVP if you have had many urinary tract infections or have had an injury that may have damaged your urinary organs.
  • resultIntroduction
  • Your IVP images will be studied by a diagnostic radiologist, who will send a report to your provider. The report will explain exactly what the x-rays showed. In general, results are described as normal or abnormal. Ask your provider to explain your report and diagnosis.
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Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

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