What is the primary issue a voiding cystogram can help diagnose?

A voiding cystogram, also known as a voiding cystourethrogram, is a specialized imaging study used to evaluate the bladder and the urethra during the process of urination. This diagnostic test primarily focuses on identifying anatomical and functional issues related to bladder filling and emptying.

The primary issues that a voiding cystogram can help diagnose include bladder filling problems, such as difficulty with the bladder holding urine, and vesicoureteral reflux, which is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters or kidneys. These conditions are critical to identify because they can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage if left untreated.

In contrast, urinary tract infections are typically diagnosed through urine tests rather than imaging studies. Kidney stones can be detected through different methods such as ultrasound or CT scans, which are more appropriate for visualizing calculi in the renal system. Prostate enlargement is assessed through other diagnostic tools like digital rectal exams and imaging studies of the prostate itself, rather than a voiding cystogram. Thus, the role of a voiding cystogram is specific to observing bladder function and conditions related to urination.