What is the difference between a cystogram and a voiding cystourethrogram?
A cystogram is tailored to evaluate the urinary bladder alone, whereas a voiding cystourethrogram includes evaluation of the bladder neck and urethra under fluoroscopic observation. Both studies require injection of radiographic contrast material into the urinary bladder through either an indwelling bladder drainage catheter or a catheter placed in the urinary bladder solely for the procedure. Cystography is limited to obtaining images of the bladder, whereas in voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), the catheter is removed after the bladder has been distended with contrast material, and the patient voids under fluoroscopic observation so that the bladder neck and urethra can also be evaluated.
