An intravenous urogram is an exam a doctor may perform in order to 
discover the size and placement of the kidneys and bladder, as well as check the ureters, the calyces and the pelvis for anatomical abnormalities. A dye, or contrast medium, is injected into the body. X-rays are taken to map the progress of the dye through the urinary tract, allowing the doctor to see the urinary system and look for problems. An intravenous urogram can often be performed as an outpatient procedure. It can be performed on adults and children.
The indications are:
- for suspected renal calculi.
- in suspected autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
- when an occult duplex kidney is considered, especially if US and 99mTc-DMSA imaging are normal.
- to define ureteric anatomy in the context of primary enuresis.
- to define ureteric anatomy in known duplex kidneys.
- if a small kidney is discovered on US or isotope examination and no VUR is found, then an IVU to show the calyceal anatomy may prove helpful in establishing the cause, e.g. previous ischaemia.
- occasionally in the post-transplant setting to demonstrate ureteric anatomy.
- Persistent hematuria.
- Trauma.
