Diagnostic Investigation of Pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infections are common, especially among women, and cause significant morbidity. While prognosis is probably more dependent on whether or not an episode of urinary tract infection is complicated (ie, associated with functional, metabolic, or anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract) or uncomplicated, anatomic localization of infection has important implications for therapy. Pyelonephritis is difficult to diagnose with a high degree of accuracy based on clinical findings alone. Radiologic imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of selected patients. Noninvasive and inexpensive methods to allow accurate localization of infection are needed.