Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
03:19

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: June 21, 2024

Ultrasound detection of vesicoureteral reflux in children

Gregor Novljan1, Tanja Kersnik Levart, Damjana Kljucevsek

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Pediatric Radiology Unit (DK, AK), University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia. gregor.novljan@mf.uni-lj.si

The Journal of Urology
|May 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Voiding urosonography is a safe and reliable ultrasound technique for detecting vesicoureteral reflux in children. It offers reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional methods, with indirect techniques showing promise.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Medical Ultrasound

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and can be linked to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
  • Current guidelines lack consensus on optimal investigation strategies after a child's first UTI.
  • Minimally invasive imaging with low radiation exposure is preferred for pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate various ultrasound techniques for detecting VUR in children.
  • To emphasize the role and clinical relevance of voiding urosonography (VUS).
  • To explore methods for VUR detection that avoid bladder catheterization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and internal study results on VUS.
  • Application of ultrasound techniques, including echo-enhancing agents, for improved VUR visualization.
  • Development of indirect VUS and ureteral jet Doppler waveform analysis to avoid intravesical contrast agents.

Main Results:

  • Echo-enhancing agents significantly improve ultrasound visualization of VUR.
  • Indirect VUS and ureteral jet Doppler analysis show potential for detecting VUR without bladder catheterization.
  • Sonomorphological features aid in VUR detection via ultrasound.

Conclusions:

  • Voiding urosonography is a safe and reliable method for detecting VUR in children.
  • VUS significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to conventional cystography methods.
  • Indirect VUS and ureteral jet Doppler analysis may serve as non-invasive alternatives to voiding cystography, particularly in children over three years old.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection06:05

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection

Published on: October 12, 2017

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing05:25

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Published on: August 14, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System III: Percussion and Auscultation01:22

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System III: Percussion and Auscultation

The genitourinary system maintains the body's fluid balance, waste excretion, and overall homeostasis. Proper assessment is essential for early detection of disorders, with percussion and auscultation integral to this evaluation. These methods help identify signs of kidney or bladder issues and provide important diagnostic clues.Percussion for Kidney TendernessPercussion is used to assess tenderness and detect kidney and bladder abnormalities. A common method for determining kidney tenderness...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...