Comprehension: Posterior Abdomen Wall
Kidneys Pyelogram
Examine a frontal abdomen film made 15 minutes after injection of intravenous contrast material. The iodinated contrast material has been filtered through the kidneys and opacifies the calyces, pelves, ureters, and bladder. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left due to the overlying liver. Note the proximity of the 11th and 12th ribs to the superior aspect of the kidneys. There are three natural narrowings of the ureters: (1) where the ureters begin at the renal pelves, (2) where they cross the iliac vessels, and (3) at the entry point of the ureters into the bladder (ureto-vesicle junction). The slightly sinuous outline of the ureters is due to peristaltic activity. The indentation of the superior wall of the bladder is due to the uterus in this patient. Observe the medial border of each kidney lying along the lateral margin of the "psoas shadow".
