MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Retrograde cystography

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Retrograde cystography

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Vesicoureteral reflux

Cystography

Alternative names Return to top

Cystography - retrograde

Definition Return to top

Retrograde cystography is a detailed X-ray examination of the bladder in which contrast dye is placed into the bladder through the urethra.

How the test is performed Return to top

You are positioned lying down on the table. A urinary catheter is inserted into your bladder after an anesthetic jelly has been applied. The dye flows through the catheter until your bladder is full (you inform the technician when your bladder feels full).

When the bladder is full, you are placed in different positions for various radiographs of the distended bladder. After the catheter is removed and you have been given the opportunity to urinate, one more X-ray is taken to see how well the bladder has emptied. The total test time is about 30 to 60 minutes.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

You must sign an informed consent form. You must void (empty) your bladder before the test. A history will be taken to determine if you may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye or if there is a current infection that could make the catheter insertion difficult.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

When the catheter is inserted, there may be some pressure along the urethra. When the dye first begins to enter the bladder, an urge to urinate occurs. The technologist will stop the flow when the pressure becomes uncomfortable. The urge to urinate will continue throughout the test.

After the test, the urethra may be tender during urination.

Why the test is performed Return to top

to examine the integrity of the bladder
to verify the existence of:
- diverticula
- stones
- tumors
- vesicoureteric reflux
- bladder fistulae
- urinary tract infections
- rupture
to determine the cause of recurring infections

Normal Values Return to top

The bladder should be normal in:

shape
size
texture
contours
capacity
integrity
urethrovesical angle

What abnormal results mean Return to top

diverticula
lesions
calculi (bladder stones)
blood clots
vesicoureteric reflux
infection or inflammation

What the risks are Return to top

There is some risk of infection from the catheter. Symptoms may include:

burning during urination (after the 1st day)
chills
fever
increased heart rate
increased breathing rate
decreased blood pressure (hypotension)

Radiation exposure is similar to other X-rays. As with any radiation exposure, nursing or pregnant women are usually not recommended to have this test unless it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Special considerations Return to top

In males, testicles are shielded from the X-rays.

This test is not performed very often any more. More frequently, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or cystoscopy are performed.

Update Date: 2/13/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Evan Mair, M.D., Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (12/5/2001)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.