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The dilated urinary tract in children
1Department of Radiology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
Insights
Urinary tract dilation in children can be asymptomatic or present with symptoms. Imaging helps differentiate hydronephrosis from hydroureteronephrosis for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract dilation is a common finding in children.
- It can be associated with various symptoms including urinary tract infections and hematuria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and demonstrate common and uncommon causes of urinary tract dilation (hydronephrosis and hydroureteronephrosis) in children.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate imaging for diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes standard radiographic techniques such as voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and excretory urography (EU).
- Complements radiographic findings with ultrasound and nuclear medicine studies.
- Reviews imaging findings of various causes of hydronephrosis (HN) and hydroureteronephrosis (HUN).
Main Results:
- Differentiates between hydronephrosis (HN) and hydroureteronephrosis (HUN).
- Illustrates imaging findings for a spectrum of pediatric urinary tract dilation etiologies.
Conclusions:
- Accurate imaging is crucial for differentiating HN from HUN in children.
- Correct diagnosis based on imaging guides appropriate therapeutic management.
Abstract:
Dilatation of the urinary tract is detected in a number of settings throughout childhood. Children may be asymptomatic or present with urinary tract infection, hematuria, or voiding symptoms. Evaluation of the affected urinary tract may require standard radiographic techniques (VCUG, EU) complemented by ultrasound and nuclear medicine studies. The goal of imaging is to differentiate hydronephrosis (HN) from hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) and to provide the correct diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be given. This article reviews and demonstrates the findings in some common and uncommon causes of HN and HUN.