Diagnostic accuracy of X-Ray intravenous pyelography in the detection of complete obstruction in the upper right ureter due to stone

Background: Kidney stones commonly block urinary flow, leading to pain, bleeding, or infection. Intravenous Pyelography (IVP), using contrast dye and sequential X-rays, outlines the urinary tract to reveal stone size, site, and obstruction. It also assesses renal function, hydronephrosis, and complications, guiding appropriate medical, surgical, or lithotripsy treatment.Aim & Objective: Diagnose ureteric stones using Intravenous Pyelography, determine their size, site, obstruction, and evaluate renal function with complications.Materials and Methods: A 32-year-old male with right-sided abdominal pain underwent IVP after fasting and bowel preparation. Allergy history, renal function, and hydration were assessed before administering 50 ml intravenous contrast. Sequential X-rays revealed urinary tract structures, showing a radiopaque ureteric stone and obstruction. Post-procedure, the patient was advised to maintain adequate fluid intake.Results: IVP revealed a 7 mm radiopaque stone in the right upper ureter at L3, causing complete obstruction, dense nephrogram, and absent visualization of the pelvicalyceal system. The left kidney and bladder appeared normal. Findings confirmed obstructive uropathy with functional impairment of the right kidney, correlating with renal colic symptoms.Conclusion: Intravenous Pyelography proved valuable in diagnosing a 7 mm obstructing stone in the right ureter of a 32-year-old male, revealing impaired renal function. With stones most common in men aged 31–50 and often composed of calcium oxalate, accurate imaging and timely intervention remain essential to prevent long-term renal complications.