Difference in x-ray attenuation between
the kidneys and the enveloping perineal
fat in plain films provides a crude index of
renal anatomy and pathologic changes.

Since IV contrast can hide the calculi
(same x-ray density as contrast) it serves
as the film oft reference for all subsequent
films done after injection of contrast
material.

Good to pick up calcifications. Observe for calcifications over kidney, ureters, bladder regions and rest of the abdomen

Can identify abdominal and pelvic masses.
Observe renal outline for size and mass
density.

Incidental non diagnostic findings on KUB may alert the physician to the possibility of urinary tract injury

Any calcification over kidney, ureters,
bladder regions and the rest of the
abdomen

Labor and time intensive \u2013 it may take up
to 6 hours to complete in the severe
obstruction

Involves intravenous injection of
potentially allergic and mildly nephrotoxic
contrast

Like IVP, retrograde pyelography relies on
contrast medium to produce detailed x-ray
images of the urinary tract

Commonly performed when IVP produces
an inadequate picture. Useful to study
urinary tract obstruction when further
calcification of nature of utreteral
obstruction is required

It also complements cytoscopy while
investigating a patient with hematuria or
recurrent or suspected cancer

May aggravate an existing urinary tract
infection or triggering one from the
catheterization

Reflux is detected if contrast is seen to
flow in retrograde fashion up the ureters
from the bladder

If the bladder is ruptured,
extravasations of contrast will be
seen outside the bladder in the
pelvis or abdomen

While conventional voiding cystogrms are
still necessary to evaluate the male
urethra for posterior valves and bladder
trauma, the majority of studies today re
done effectively with radionuclide
cystograhy

MRI is as good as CT or better in
characterizing lesions of kidney and
prostate

Because of its ability to show soft tissue
sin exquisite detail, MRI can detect
disease and evaluate renal vasculature
and inferior vena cava

It can identify the spread of kidney cancer
into the renal vein, IVC and prerenal area
(staging)