Role of imaging modalities in pediatric patients with vesico-ureteric reflux

Abstract

The vesico-ureteral reflux has the ability to cause progressive and may be irreversible renal damage, in the form of simple reflux nephropathy which may end with hypertension and end stage renal failure.

Our main objective is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of voiding cystourethrography and direct radionuclied cystography (DRC) in comparison to the new imaging modalities as color flow Doppler of ureteral jet and echoenhanced contrast cystosonography in diagnosis of reflux.

This study include 30 cases who after careful clinical examination are examined by the previously mentioned imaging modalities. Subsequently, we concluded that echoenhanced sonography and color Doppler are the examinations of choice inevaluation ofV.U.R. as they are noninvasive techniques, no radiation hazards, no complication resulting from contrast infection and they are more sensitive than DRC and VCUG in detection of!ow grads of reflux.

Howere, echoenhanced sonography and color Doppler examination don't provide information about the posterior urethra as optimal as with VCUG. Also anatomic delineation of the ureter is also better seen with VCUG.