An intravenous pyelogram visualizes which structures?

• A. Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder
• B. Heart and Lungs
• C. Brain
• D. Liver

Answer: (A)

An intravenous pyelogram relies on contrast that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted into the urine, so it outlines the urinary tract. The contrast fills and outlines the kidneys’ collecting system (renal pelvis and calyces), travels down the ureters, and collects in the bladder, allowing you to see the anatomy and spot issues like obstruction or stones. Structures like the heart, lungs, brain, or liver aren’t visualized with this study, since they aren’t part of the urinary tract being imaged.