Urography, literally explained, means the study of function of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. This can be done by injecting a special dye known as a contrast medium inside the veins. This dye creates areas of brightness when viewed by CT scan, X-rays or an MRI. Urography is also known as an urogram.
MRI Urography has proven to be a very safe alternative to conventional urography. This is because MRI uses magnetic waves and radio waves to create an image instead of the ionizing radiations used by CT scan and conventional radiographic techniques. Another advantage of MRI urography is that it can be safely performed for patients who are allergic to contrast medium used in the conventional imaging methods. MRI uses gadolinium as a contrast medium which is very well tolerated by patients.
Centers for MRI Urography:
Here is a list of leading diagnostic centers which perform MRI urography –
| Diagnostic Center | Area | City |
|---|---|---|
| AS Health Square | Hauz Khas | Delhi |
| Acuscan Medical Centre | Andheri West | Mumbai |
| Exo Path Labs | Thane-Kharegaon | Mumbai |
| Pulse Imaging | Mira Bhayandar | Mumbai |
| Exo Path Labs | Nigdi | Pune |
| Noble Hospital | Hadapsar | Pune |
| Insight Diagnostics | Kukatpally | Hyderabad |
| Salus Medical Diagnostics | Basheer Bagh | Hyderabad |
| Vista Imaging Centre | Banjara Hills | Hyderabad |
Charges for MRI Urography:
Location of the diagnostic center, expertise of the radiologist, cost of equipment involved and many such things are involved in determining the charges incurred whilst getting an MRI urogram done. On an average, this procedure costs between INR 5500 to INR 10500
| Diagnostic Center | Test Name | MRP | Offer Price | Get Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Health Square, Hauz Khas, Delhi. | Eurogram | Rs. | Rs. 4200 | Book Online |
| Acuscan Medical Centre, Andheri West, Mumbai. | MR Urography | Rs. | Rs. 7650 | Book Online |
| Exo Path Labs, Thane-Kharegaon, Mumbai. | Urography | Rs. | Rs. 4950 | Book Online |
| Pulse Imaging, Mira Bhayandar , Mumbai. | Urography | Rs. | Rs. 4800 | Book Online |
| Exo Path Labs, Nigdi, Pune. | Urography | Rs. | Rs. 8400 | Book Online |
| Noble Hospital, Hadapsar, Pune. | Urography | Rs. | Rs. 6300 | Book Online |
| Insight Diagnostics, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. | MR UROGRAPHY | Rs. | Rs. 5440 | Book Online |
| Salus Medical Diagnostics, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad. | Urography | Rs. | Rs. 4875 | Book Online |
| Vista Imaging Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. | UROGRAPHY | Rs. | Rs. 6800 | Book Online |
Why is MRI Urography Needed?
Your doctor may suggest you this procedure if any of the following conditions are suspected:
- Presence of kidney or bladder stones
- Haematuria, or presence of blood in urine
- Presence of cancerous lesions in the urinary tract
- To detect congenital disorders of the urinary system
- Urinary tract obstruction
How to Prepare for MRI Urography?
- Do remember to inform your doctor about –
- Your past medical history
- If you are on any medications presently
- For female patients, your pregnancy status. Contrast medium is not a good thing for the unborn child and should be avoided.
- History of allergies, if any
- If you have any metallic components inside your body, such as hearing aids, metallic implants, replaced joints, dental implants, cardiac pacemaker, etc.
- If you feel very uncomfortable and afraid of close spaces (claustrophobia), do let your doctor know. A different alternative for imaging will be suggested to you.
- Since MRI urography mostly involves the use of contrast medium, you will have to fast for at least 8-12 hours before the procedure.
- A pilot X-ray may be taken to localize the position of stones, if any.
- Checking serum creatinine levels to have a general impression of kidney function is of great importance in some cases.
What Happens on Procedure day?
- Once you reach the diagnostic center, you will be given a comfortable gown to wear for the scan. Do remember to remove all metallic things like hairpins, wrist watch, pen and other valuables and keep them in a safe place.
- If you tend to feel very anxious during certain procedures, a sedative may be given to calm you down during the procedure.
- After this, a urinary catheter is attached to your urethra which will collect the extra urine during the procedure.
- An I.V line is inserted in a vein of your hand through which normal saline followed by a dose of contrast media will be injected.
- You will now be made to lie down on a mobile table which goes inside the MRI machine. Your head is stabilized using a special frame like structure and your ears are covered with ear muffs to mask the voice of machine generated during imaging process.
- The magnet moves at high speed around you and emits magnetic waves directed towards the lower abdomen. This in turn creates signals which are collected by special sensors in the MRI machine. These signals then create a new picture, seen on the computer.
- Depending on the need of the physician, MRI urography can be performed in two ways –
- Static-fluid MRI Urography
- Excretory MRI Urography
- Once the radiologist is satisfied with quality of images, you are free to go. If you had been sedated earlier, then you will be taken to a recovery room where the I.V line is taken out from your arm and arrangements are done for proper rest.
- After this, you can leave for home.
[*Useful: MRI Scan Cost in India]
An MRI Urography is a safe and non-invasive process of studying the urinary system in great detail. But care should be taken of the patient’s present health status before undergoing such a procedure. If you have any qualms regarding this procedure, you can freely discuss your concerns with your doctor and then go ahead.