Optimizing urography.

Urography is regarded as one of the best screening tests for evaluation of urinary tract disease and is commonly used in the search for a cause of hematuria or the presence of upper tract urothelial masses. It is also used in the evaluation of patients with trauma, known or suspected urolithiasis, or renal infection and for the documentation of obstruction or congenital abnormalities. The physician should have a basic understanding of iodinated contrast media and their benefits and effects on the patient. Patient risk factors include a history of (1) renal impairment, (2) significant allergies, (3) asthma, (4) diabetes mellitus, and (5) cardiac disease (particularly congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, and primary pulmonary hypertension). Changing options for imaging modalities, contrast media, and patient preparation require continued attention to detail and individualization to allow optimization of the urographic examination.