An arthrography is a radiographic examination of a joint (such as the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow or wrist) that requires an injection of a contrast medium into the joint space.
For an opaque x-ray arthrography a water-soluble iodinated contrast agent is injected and a series of fluoroscopic controlled images is produced. Magnetic resonance arthrography combines the arthrogram with MRI. A small quantity of gadolinium contrast agent is added to the injection into the joint space. The traditional radiographic images are followed by an MRI of the extremities. A non-invasive possibility is an indirect MR arthrography, which doesn't require the injection into the joint. The dye is given prior to the imaging procedure.
The contrast fluid produces a bright signal and allows evaluation of small defects of the joint capsule, assessment of articular surface and labral cartilage, and in case of an indirect arthrogram also of the surrounding soft tissue. If a gaseous medium is used, this exam is called pneumoarthrography and a combination with liquid contrast is used in double-contrast arthrography.
MR arthrography is often used to evaluate hip and acetabular labrum, shoulder rotator cuff and glenoid labrum (see Shoulder MRI), and less often in wrist and knee MRI studies. Also combinations of CT and nuclear medical techniques with arthrography are available.

A coronary angiogram (or cardiac catheterization) is the radiographic visualization of the coronary arteries after the introduction of a contrast agent. A coronary angiography can be performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes.
A catheter, inserted into a major blood vessel has to be maneuvered up to the coronary arteries to inject a blood compatible iodinated contrast material (dye). The x-ray visible catheter allows injecting a small amount of contrast agent selectively in the coronary arteries or the heart chambers. Continuous images are recorded (movies or cineangiogram) in multiple views from different angles are in order to ascertain the precise location and severity of coronary artery blockages. Digitized images are also saved on computer and replayed onto a video screen as needed.
A coronary angiogram is more invasive and requires more patient recovery time than coronary CT angiography. In the past, the gold standard for detecting atherosclerotic plaque was a coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound. Today, the American Heart Association considers CT scanning to be one of the most effective, non-invasive methods for the detection of calcification in the coronary arteries.

See also Interventional Radiology.

(IVP) An intravenous pyelogram is a radiographic study of the kidney, ureters, and bladder. After the injection or infusion of iodinated contrast materials into the vein, the contrast medium is excreted by the kidneys. Due to the higher density of the dye, contrast filled areas appear white on x-ray images.
IVPs are used to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow. A pyelogram may also be performed with contrast media injection directly through a ureteral or nephrostomy catheter or percutaneously.

See also X-Ray Projection Imaging, Abdomen CT and Urologic Ultrasound.

A myelography is a radiographic imaging procedure to visualize the spinal canal, the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intervertebral disks and nerve roots. A special contrast agent (dye) is injected through a needle into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal. A myelogram provides a very detailed picture of the spinal cord and spinal column. A fluoroscopy displays the bones and the fluid-filled space of the spine also in motion. An additional computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scan helps to differentiate the spinal conditions better. The indications include disc herniation, spinal stenosis, tumor, and vertebral fracture.

See also Myeloscintigraphy, Fluoroscopic System, Hounsfield Unit, Bone Densitometry, Nonionic Contrast Agents.

Digital images can be manipulated for evaluation in various ways. Post-processing includes: Subtraction, addition, rotation, inversion, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), etc.
Subtraction is particularly useful in contrast enhanced examinations. The pre contrast images are subtracted from the images after an injection of contrast agents (sometimes also called dye) for better tumor detection. See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography, Digital Subtraction Angiography and Active Zone.