The role of routine intravenous urography in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

The plain abdominal radiographs and intravenous urograms of 72 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed. Renal tract calcification was detected on plain abdominal radiographs in 27 patients (38%), and intravenous urography revealed no calculi not detected on the plain radiographs. Intravenous urography did, however, show abnormalities not detected on plain abdominal radiographs in 22 patients (37%), but these findings influenced clinical management in only five patients (7%). In these five patients there were indications other than primary hyperparathyroidism for performing an intravenous urogram. Intravenous urography incurs a small risk and should not be performed as a routine investigation in primary hyperparathyroidism.