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We believe every
patient to be as unique
as the quilts adorning
our office walls.
We are committed to
finding the treatment
plan best suited for
each individual patient.
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CT IVP
A CT IVP is a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis specifically looking at the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This
type of CT scan is normally used to help evaluate the causes of hematuria (blood in the urine). Unlike the CT KUB an
iodine injection is used for this scan. The iodine is injected into the patient's vien while on the CT scanner.
The iodine highlights all the organs of the abdomen and pelvis including the urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters
and bladder. A non contrast scan is done first to use as a comparison. Images are taken at 60 seconds, 6 minutes
and 10 minutes following the injection. By doing this the physician can tell how long it takes the iodine to get to
the kidneys, travel through the ureters and into the bladder. If there are tumors or cysts present, the delayed images
can help in making a determination as to the type of tumor or cyst present. A plain abdomen and pelvis x-ray is taken
following the CT scan to look at the overall size and shape of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The plain films also
help determine if there are any obstructions in the urinary system. Along with the original images, post processing
3D images and coronal images can be obtained to help with the overall study.
Below you can see the difference between the non-contrast images and the contrast images. Notice how the kidneys
and liver seem to light up after the injection. As with all contrast studies done at Urology Northwest, PS every precaution
is taken to insure patient safety.
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