Cystography
Encyclopedia
In radiology
and urology
, a cystography is a procedure used to visualise the urinary bladder
.
Using an urinary catheter, radiocontrast is instilled in the bladder, and X-ray
imaging is performed. Cystography can be used to evaluate bladder cancer, vesicoureteral reflux
, bladder polyps, and hydronephrosis
. It requires less radiation than pelvic CT, although it is less sensitive and specific than MRI
or CT. In adult cases, the patient is typically instructed to void three times, after which a post voiding image is obtained to see how much urine is left within the bladder, which is useful to evaluate bladder contraction dysfunction. A final radiograph of the kidneys after the procedure is finished is performed to evaluate for occult vesicoureteral reflux that was not seen during the procedure itself.
Radiology
Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases...
and urology
Urology
Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...
, a cystography is a procedure used to visualise the urinary bladder
Urinary bladder
The urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine excreted by the kidneys before disposal by urination. A hollow muscular, and distensible organ, the bladder sits on the pelvic floor...
.
Using an urinary catheter, radiocontrast is instilled in the bladder, and X-ray
X-ray
X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma...
imaging is performed. Cystography can be used to evaluate bladder cancer, vesicoureteral reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux is an abnormal movement of urine from the bladder into ureters or kidneys. Urine normally travels from the kidneys via the ureters to the bladder...
, bladder polyps, and hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is distension and dilation of the renal pelvis calyces, usually caused by obstruction of the free flow of urine from the kidney, leading to progressive atrophy of the kidney...
. It requires less radiation than pelvic CT, although it is less sensitive and specific than MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
or CT. In adult cases, the patient is typically instructed to void three times, after which a post voiding image is obtained to see how much urine is left within the bladder, which is useful to evaluate bladder contraction dysfunction. A final radiograph of the kidneys after the procedure is finished is performed to evaluate for occult vesicoureteral reflux that was not seen during the procedure itself.
See also
- CystoscopyCystoscopyCystoscopy is endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra. It is carried out with a cystoscope.Diagnostic cystoscopy is usually carried out with local anaesthesia...
- Voiding cystourethrogramVoiding cystourethrogramIn urology, a voiding cystourethrogram , also micturating cystourethrogram , is a technique for watching a person's urethra and urinary bladder while the person urinates . The technique consists of catheterizing the person in order to fill the bladder with a radiocontrast agent, typically cystografin...
- CholecystographyCholecystographyOral cholecystography is a procedure used to visualize the gallbladder by administering, by mouth, a radiopaque contrast agent that is excreted by the liver. This excreted material will collect in the gallbladder, where reabsorption of water concentrates the excreted contrast...