[Reflux nephropathy]

A corticopapillary scar is a frequent finding on urography in patients with vesicoureteral reflux. It is considered a typical sign of so-called reflux nepropathy. It develops most frequently in children aged 5-7 years and has a negative impact on the growth of the kidney. In its development three factors participate: ureterovesical reflux, intrarenal reflux associated with so-called refluxing papillas and urinary infection. The inflammatory cicatrical process may affect the whole kidney--small shrivelled kidney--or only a portion of the kidney. The development of scars is explained by the so-called bing-bang theory according to which all refluxing papillae are affected at the same time by the first urinary infection. This position develops in particular in case of inadequate treatment of acute pyelonephritis, Deformity of normal papillae caused by various factors explains, however, the development of renal scars in children aged 8-12 years or even in adults. The growing kidney tolerates poorly not only urinary infections and scar formation but also hydrodynamic disorders associated with vesicoureteral reflux. Therefore it is important to diagnose and treat vesicoureteral reflux already at an early age. For the time being it is important o consider asymptomatic bacteriuria and any urinary infection in children a clinical marker calling for examination for the possible presence of vesicoureteral reflux.