Improved pyeloureteral visualization using glucagon during experimental intravenous urography.

Intravenous urography is optimally performed using abdominal compression for distention of the pyelocalyceal systems. Because of real and potential difficulties with the application of compression, the authors have tested in dogs the alternative of administering glucagon as a means of improving pyelocalyceal distention and ureteral visualization. In six greyhound dogs, ureteral peristalsis transiently ceased following the intravenous injection of glucagon. Objective and coded subjective analyses showed statistically significant improvement in demonstration of collecting systems and ureters when urograms were performed with glucagon, as compared with those in which the drug was not administered. The success of glucagon in improving pyeloureteral visualization in dogs encourages its experimental use in human subjects as an alternative to abdominal compression.