Case report: an unexpected intravenous pyelogram appearance in an azotemic patient

The authors discuss the unusual intravenous pyelogram (IVP) findings in a patient with blunt abdominal trauma. Although the patient had apparent renal dysfunction, both nephrogram and pyelogram were seen clearly after a moderate dose of iothalamate. This may be explained by the fact that the underlying complete obstruction was relieved by his traumatic bladder rupture, prior to the contrast study. Alternatively, evidence of azotemia may be an artifact, resulting from resorption of urea and creatinine after rupture. Thus, the nephro-pyelogram may accurately reflect his renal function.