Anaphylactoid reaction is another possible risk of the contrast
media. Therefore, steroids and antihistaminic drugs should be at hand.
- Cystography and voiding cystourethrography:
Diluted contrast is injected into the bladder through urethral or
suprapubic catheter. When the bladder becomes full, the patient is asked to
micturate and films are taken. This is called micturating or voiding
cystourethrogram (VCU). Normally the dye does not appear in the ureters
because of the normally present antireflux mechanism at ureterovesical
junction. If the dye appears in the ureters during VCU, this is called
vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). - Urodynamic studies:
Measuring the intravesical pressure (cystometry) and urine flow
will give full anatomic and physiologic assessment of the lower urinary
tract. - Angiography: This includes
a. Renal Arteriography
A catheter is introduced percutaneously into the femoral artery and
proceeded under television (screen) control through the aorta. The dye
could be injected into the aorta, above the level of renal arteries (flush
aortography) and films are taken which will show renal arteries and
nearby vessels or the catheter could be advanced selectively into renal
artery and dye is injected (selective renal angiography).
Renal arteriography is mainly indicated for diagnosis of
renovascular hypertension or persistent haematuria following trauma.
b. Renal Venography