What is an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)?
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder that uses iodinated contrast material injected into veins. When a contrast material is injected into a vein in the patient's arm, it travels through the blood stream and collects in the kidneys and urinary tract, turning these areas bright white. An IVP allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function of the kidneys, ureters and the bladder.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
An intravenous pyelogram examination helps the physician assess abnormalities in the urinary system, as well as how quickly and efficiently the patient's system is able to handle waste. The exam is used to help diagnose symptoms such as blood in the urine or pain in the side or lower back.
The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect problems within the urinary tract resulting from:
- kidney stones
- enlarged prostate
- tumors in the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
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How does the procedure work?
In the IVP exam, an iodine-containing contrast material is injected through a vein in the arm collects in the kidneys, ureters and bladder, giving these areas a bright white and sharply defined appearance on the x-ray images.
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How is the procedure performed?
This examination is usually done on an outpatient basis. The patient is positioned on the table and still x-ray images are taken. The contrast material is then injected, usually in a vein in the patient's arm, followed by additional still images. You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine. As the contrast material is processed by the kidneys a series of images is taken to determine the actual size of the kidneys and to capture the urinary tract in action as it begins to empty. The technologist may apply a compression band around the body to better visualize the urinary structures leading from the kidney. An IVP study is usually completed within an hour. However, because some kidneys empty at a slower rate the exam may last up to four hours.
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What will I experience during and after the procedure?
The IVP is usually a relatively comfortable procedure. You will feel a minor sting as the contrast material is injected into your arm through a small needle. Some patients experience a flush of warmth, a mild itching sensation and a metallic taste in their mouth as it begins to circulate throughout their body. These common side effects usually disappear within a minute or two and are harmless. Rarely, some patients will experience an allergic reaction. Itching that persists or is accompanied by hives, can be easily treated with medication. In very rare cases, a patient may become short of breath or experience swelling in the throat or other parts of the body. These can be indications of a more serious reaction to the contrast material that should be treated promptly. Tell the radiologist immediately if you experience these symptoms.
During the imaging process, you may be asked to turn from side to side and to hold several different positions to enable the radiologist to capture views from several angles. Near the end of the exam, you may be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional x-ray can be taken of your urinary bladder after it empties.
The contrast material used for IVP studies will not discolor your urine or cause any discomfort when you urinate. If you experience such symptoms after your IVP exam, you should let your doctor know immediately.
Neil A. Ramquist, MD
Diagnostic Radiologist
- BS, MD, University of California at Davis
- Chief resident in radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine
- Member, American College of Radiology
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Native of Wisconsin
Expertise in mammography, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1981
Donald G. Detweiler, MD
Diagnostic Radiologist
- President, Raleigh Radiology Associates
- Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Blue Ridge, Cary and Breast Center
- Chairman, Rex Classic - 2000
- President, Medical Staff Rex Hospital - 1995
- BS, Duke University
- MD, Emory University
- Fellow and resident in diagnostic radiology, University of North Carolina Medical Center
- Native of Illinois
Expertise in mammography, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1982
W. Kent Davis, MD
Neuroradiologist
- Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst, Clayton, Wake Forest, and Brier Creek
- BS, Duke University
- MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Internship in internal medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore
- Resident in radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Member, American Society of Neuroradiology
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in head, neck, and spine imaging; breast imaging and breast intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1990
Andrew B. Weber, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, University of Pennsylvania
- MD, Temple University Medical School
- Internship in surgery, York Hospital
- Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
- Former Chief, Rex Hospital Radiology
- 2009 Chairman, Rex Hospital Open
- Rex Corporate Counsel
- Native of Pennsylvania
Expertise in vascular/interventional radiology and MR angiography
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1992
Julia K. Taber, MD
Women’s Imaging Radiologist
- Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
- BS, Brown University
- MD, Duke University Medical School
- Internship in internal medicine, New York Hospital
- Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in mammography and pediatric radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Society of Breast Imaging
- Member, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
- Women’s Imaging Radiologist
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, and pediatric radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993
Mark H. Knelson, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Rotating internship, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
- Chief resident, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
- Fellowship, vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded
- American Board of Radiology Assistant professor of radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in diagnostic angiography and interventional radiology, nuclear cardiology, and spine intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993
Gregory C. Hinn, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- Head of Musculoskeletal Imaging at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- MD, Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University
- Resident in radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
- Fellowship in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
- Musculoskeletal radiologist for the North Carolina State University Athletic Department.
- Raised in North Carolina
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1995
Gregory A. Bortoff, MD, PhD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- Head of Computed Tomography (CT) at Rex Hospital
- BS, Cornell University
- MD, PhD, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse
- Resident in radiology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Member, American Roentgen Ray Society
- Native of New York
Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999
Jerry L. Watson, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- BS with honors, Johns Hopkins University
- MD, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
- Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chief of Radiology, 67th Combat Support Hospital, United States Army, Germany 1996–1998
- Native of Georgia
Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, breast intervention, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999
Cynthia S. Payne, MD
Vascular and Interventional & Neuroradiologist
- MD, Medical College of Ohio
- Internship, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Resident, neurology and radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowships in molecular neurogenetics, vascular/interventional radiology and neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology, Vascular and
- Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Director of neuro-interventional radiology, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in vascular and interventional radiology, diagnostic, and interventional neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001
Tracey E. O’Connell, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BA, University of Colorado at Boulder
- MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Native of California
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention and abdominal imaging including MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001
Jennifer S. Van Vickle, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- Head of Ultrasound at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of Chicago, M.Div and Th.M, Duke University
- MD, Duke University Medical Center
- Internship in internal medicine, Duke University Medical Center
- Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging and mammography, Duke University Medical Center
- Native of Missouri
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal and pelvic imaging, including CT, ultrasound, and MRI
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002
Gintaras E. Degesys, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BA with high honors, Kenyon College
- MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Internship and chief resident, Northwestern University
- Fellowship in interventional and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifi cations in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Native of Ohio
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, breast intervention, and abdominal imaging and intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002
Laura O. Thomas, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- Head of Rex Breast Care Center at Rex Hospital
- Radiologist Recruiter
- BA, Princeton University
- MD, Duke University Medical School
- Internship in internal medicine, UNC Hospitals
- Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in women’s and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Native of Missouri
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2003
John G. “Jay” Alley, Jr, MD
Neuroradiologist
- Vice Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program, Columbia University, New York
- MD, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
- Co-chief resident in diagnostic radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
- Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004
Todd J. Roth, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- BS, University of Texas, Austin
- MD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio
- Residency, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University
- Native of Kansas
Expertise in abdominal and pelvic MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004
Steven R. Carter, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BS, University of Virginia
- MS, Medical College of Virginia
- MD, Medical College of Virginia
- Internship in internal medicine, MCV
- Chief resident, diagnostic radiology, Emory University
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging, Emory University
- Member, American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America
- Musculoskeletal radiologist for the Carolina Hurricanes
- Native of Richmond, Virginia
Expertise in musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005
Satish Mathan, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- Head of Interventional and Vascular Radiology at Rex Hospital
- BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
- MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Internship, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA
- Chief resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
- Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
- Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
- Native of Raleigh, North Carolina
Expertise in interventional radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005
Andrew G. Moran, MD
Nuclear Medicine Radiologist
- Head of Nuclear Medicine Radiology at Rex Hospital
- BS, Idaho State University
- MD, Utah School of Medicine
- Residency, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowships in body imaging and nuclear radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Society of Nuclear Medicine
- Native of California
Expertise in abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, nuclear medicine and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2006
Joshua B. Mitchell, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BA, University of Virginia
- MD, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
- Internship, Medical University of South Carolina
- Chief resident, Medical University of South Carolina
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, University of Florida
- Member, American College of Radiology, South Carolina
- Radiological Society, Association of University Radiologists, Radiological Society of North America
- Native of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2007
Jeffrey Browne, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BS, Boston College
- MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- Internship, St. Raphael’s Hospital
- Residency, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America and American Roetgen Ray Society.
- Native of Connecticut
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
Michael C. Hollingshead, MD
Neuroradiologist
- Head of Neuroradiology at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Internship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Residency, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Certificate of added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Member, American Society of Neuroradiology, American College of Radiology,Radiological Society of North America
- Native of Massachusetts
Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
Jason R. Harris, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, Brigham Young University
- MD, Harvard Medical School
- Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
- Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
- Native of California
Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
Kirk Peterson, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- BS, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Tallahassee, FL
- MD, University of South Carolina School of Medicine
- Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Member, American Roentgen Ray Society
- Member, American College of Radiology
- Native of Florida
Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2010
How should I prepare?
Avoid all dairy, greasy and fried foods the day before the exam. Pick up a prep kit from our Cedarhurst or Blue Ridge facilities and follow instructions. Do not have anything by mouth after midnight the night prior to the procedure.
You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
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