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pyelogram

pyelogram

1 9.9
An X-ray picture of the kidneys and the tubes that carry urine to the bladder
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪəloʊˌɡræm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pielograma
  • He underwent a pyelogram to diagnose a suspected kidney stone.

Examples

  • I had a pyelogram done last month.

  • The doctor recommended a pyelogram to investigate the cause of her persistent back pain.

  • A pyelogram can reveal blockages or abnormalities in the urinary tract.

  • The doctor ordered a pyelogram to check for kidney stones.

  • The doctor reviewed the pyelogram to check for any abnormalities in the patient's urinary tract.

  • After the pyelogram, the patient was able to better understand the causes of his kidney pain.

  • During the consultation, the radiologist explained how a pyelogram is used to visualize the kidneys and ureters.

Synonyms

urogram
vspyelogram
  • Specialized
1 8.4

An X-ray picture of the kidneys and bladder to find problems

focuses on X-rays of kidneys and ureters specifically, not the whole urinary system
intravenous pyelogram
vspyelogram
  • Specialized
7.5

An X-ray of the kidneys and the tubes to the bladder after a doctor puts dye into a vein

is the resulting X-ray image rather than the full dye-based exam
intravenous pyelography
vspyelogram
  • Specialized
5.1

An X-ray test that uses a dye injected into a vein to show the kidneys and urinary tract

is the image produced by that injected contrast, not the procedure
pyelography
vspyelogram
  • Specialized
9.6

An X-ray test that shows the kidneys and the tubes that carry urine using injected dye

is the single X-ray picture of kidneys and ureters, not the whole exam
urography
vspyelogram
  • Specialized
6.8

A medical test using X-rays to take pictures of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder

applies to kidney and ureter X-ray images only, not general urinary imaging

Compounds

intravenous pyelogram
  • Specialized
7.5

An X-ray of the kidneys and the tubes to the bladder after a doctor puts dye into a vein

Surface Forms

pyelogram singular
pyelograms plural

Morphology

pyelogram = pyel (opaque) = pyel + gram

The term is formed from specialized medical combining forms ('pyel-' + '-gram') that are unfamiliar to average learners, so the relation to everyday English words is not transparent.

Etymology

Pyelogram comes from the Greek parts pyelo- meaning 'basin', the part of the kidney that collects urine, and -gram meaning 'a record' or 'something written', as in telegram. So a pyelogram is a 'record' or picture of the kidney's basin, which is why doctors use it as an X-ray to check the kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.