Risks

With a CT urogram, there's a slight risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast material. Reactions are generally mild and easily managed by medication. They include:

• A feeling of warmth or flushing
• Nausea
• Itching
• Hives
• Pain near the injection site

A single CT urogram carries no risk of developing cancer after radiation exposure. But, multiple tests or radiation exposures may cause a slightly increased cancer risk. Typically, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs this risk. Work continues on ways to reduce radiation exposure during a CT urogram test.

If you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having a CT urogram. Though the risk to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may consider whether it's better to wait or to use another imaging test.