Voiding cystourethrogram

In urology, a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), also micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG), is a technique for watching a person's urethra and urinary bladder while the person urinates (voids). The technique consists of catheterizing the person in order to fill the bladder with a radiopaque liquid (a "contrast" or "contrast agent", typically cystografin). Under fluoroscopy (real time x-rays) the radiologist watches the contrast enter the bladder and looks at the anatomy of the patient. If the contrast moves into the ureters and back into the kidneys, example x-ray teaching file the radiologist makes the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux, and gives the degree of severity a score. The exam ends when the person voids on the table while the radiologist is watching under fluoroscopy. It is important to watch the contrast during voiding, because this is when the bladder has the most pressure, and it is most likely this is when reflux will occur.

Kidney Reflux (vesicoureteral reflux) is diagnosed with an ultrasound and VCUG. Children who have chronic Urinary Tract Infections are given this test to determine the level of damage to the kidney.

Indications

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Suspected obstruction (e.g. bilateral hydronephrosis)
• Suspected bladder trauma or rupture

Contraindications

• Untreated urinary tract infection
• Hypersensitivity to contrast media

See also

• Posterior urethral valves
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy

External links

• Voiding cystourethrogram - National Library of Medicine
• What is a voiding cystourethrogram? - radiologyinfo.org