CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

During an IVU exam, what part of the kidneys is best demonstrated in a Trendelenburg position?

1. Upper ureters

2. Distal/lower ureters

3. Kidney pelvis

4. Renal cortex

The correct answer is: Distal/lower ureters

During an Intravenous Urogram (IVU) exam, positioning the patient in a Trendelenburg position, where the body is laid flat on the back with the legs elevated higher than the head, is particularly effective for demonstrating certain anatomical structures. This position is beneficial for visualizing the distal or lower ureters. By utilizing the Trendelenburg position, gravitational effects assist in the movement of contrast media through the ureters. The elevated legs can help the contrast flow more readily toward the lower portions of the ureters, providing a clearer view of these areas on the imaging studies. In contrast, while the other options do involve parts of the renal system, they are not the primary focus of the Trendelenburg position. The upper ureters and renal pelvis are higher in the urinary tract, and the renal cortex refers to the outer layer of the kidney that may not benefit significantly from this specific positioning during an IVU procedure.