X-ray of the kidneys with and without contrast
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system plays an important role X-ray examination of the body. Thanks to him, determine the location, configuration, structure, pathological changes. There are several methods of X-ray: without the use of a contrast agent (overview image) and with its use, allowing to monitor its progress within the kidneys, ureter, bladder.
Indications for the procedure
Cases forcing a kidney X-ray include:
- lumbar pain, swelling;
- renal colic - possible signals of the presence of stones, tumors, cysts;
- deviation from the norm in the analysis of urine indicators: salts, leukocytes, specific gravity, erythrocytes;
- changes in the biochemical analysis of blood in the parameters of urea and creatinine;
- organ injury;
- persistent urinary tract infections;
- pathology detection by ultrasound examination;
- suspicious urine odor;
- control results of surgical intervention.
Preparation
The quality of images depends largely on the correct training. So that you do not have to go through this whole stage anew, you should approach them responsibly.
3 days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude gas-forming products from your diet. What can not eat before X-rays of the kidneys? There is no specific diet, but you should exclude beans, cabbage, milk, black bread, fruits, green onions, sorrel, and carbonated water from the menu.
On the eve of X-ray, the last light meal is no later than 18:00. In the morning put cleansing enema.
To study the bladder will need to fill it. 2 hours before X-rays, they begin to drink liquid (plain water, non-carbonated mineral water, compote, sweet tea), all you need to drink is 1.5-2 liters.
If it is necessary to introduce an X-ray contrast agent (for this purpose, iodine-containing preparations are used: urographin, omnipack), a test is carried out for the tolerance of iodine.
Technique of the renal x-ray
The X-ray stages depend on its type, which, in turn, is determined by the physician's suspicions of one or another pathology. Survey radiography is usually done in two locations. The patient removes clothes, exposing the kidney area, lies horizontally, and under it is placed the film in the cassette. The other position is vertical, the shot is held standing.
With a contrast agent (excretory urography) - a more complex and lengthy procedure. The contrast agent is injected into a vein, and excreted through the urinary system, staining it. After 7 minutes, it enters the renal pelvis, at which time they take the first shot. After a quarter of an hour they are completely filled and the urethra (the second shot), 21 minutes - penetrates the bladder (the third shot).
This is a standard procedure that allows you to trace the dynamics of the entire urinary system from the kidneys to the bladder. If necessary, you can take more pictures - up to 60 minutes after the intake of contrast.
Suspicion of pathology in the course of the urethra is a reason to appoint retrograde ureterography. For its implementation, the "luminous" substance is injected through a catheter placed in the urinary tract.
X-ray kidney child
Such an examination is carried out by the child, if the ultrasound does not provide comprehensive information about kidney disease. The dose of the contrast agent is calculated based on body weight. To prevent allergies can prescribe antihistamines.
On the eve of the procedure (for 3 days) children are given drugs that reduce gas formation, and for 7 hours they are forbidden to drink. For food the same requirements as for adults. On the day of X-ray, parents should have a bottle of porridge or milk with them in case of gas detection, since they decrease when filling the stomach.
While taking a picture directly, adults must ensure that the baby is still, for this purpose they wear special lead aprons to protect them from X-rays. Sometimes anesthesia is used because of the impossibility of fixing the child in a static pose.
Normal performance
Survey urography without contrast allows you to see:
- calculi in the kidneys and urethra;
- displacement or omission of an organ;
- underdevelopment of the kidney, its doubling;
- abnormality of the bladder anatomy;
- features of the urinary canal.
Excretory urography gives an estimate of the occupancy of organs by contrast, reveals areas of constriction, determines the filling of the bladder.
X-ray with contrast allows not only to detect the presence of stones, but also their size, location. Unfortunately, only calcium-containing compounds (phosphates and oxalates) can be seen in the picture. Stones from cystine and uric acid are detected on ultrasound, computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
Complications after the procedure
The consequences of the procedure may be associated only with the body's response to a contrast agent, but usually the drug is injected slowly, the doctors monitor the patient's response and are able to assist in time. After X-rays, there were cases of dizziness, nausea, general weakness, fever. Usually after a few hours, such complications disappear. If this does not happen, you should consult a doctor.
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Reviews
No negative feedback fluoroscopy of the urinary system does not cause, except for the preparatory period. It is not difficult to withstand food restrictions, but the introduction of large amounts of fluid into the large intestine is a very unpleasant procedure. Nevertheless, for the sake of truth, the success of treatment, people do not get hung up on it.