Contrast Examination of the Kidneys and Ureters–Excretory Urogram

If renal pelves and ureters are well defined, remove compression after 20 minute films. Expose ventrodorsal and lateral films 5 minutes after release.

Nephrogram Phase ✓ Immediate (Figure 6-15) – contrast is in renal parenchyma, as the kidneys are more radiopaque

✓ Starts 7-10 seconds after injection of contrast ✓ The best contrast is at 10-20 seconds ✓ Progressive fading occurs in 1-3 hours ✓ This phase is caused by contrast in the proximal renal tubules. ✓ Opacity depends on contrast dose, glomerular filtration rate, and renal tubular osmolarity.