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Updated: May 26, 2026
06:05
Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
Published on: October 12, 2017
[Vesicoureteral reflux in adults]
Cristiana Rollino1, Leonardo D'Urso, Giulietta Beltrame
1Divisione di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale S. Giovanni Bosco, Torino, Italy. cristiana.rollino@liberto.it
Summary
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a kidney condition often linked to genetic defects. While sometimes asymptomatic, VUR can lead to recurrent infections and kidney damage, particularly in women planning pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Genetics
Context:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a congenital or acquired condition affecting the ureterovesical junction.
- Primary VUR, the most common congenital form, results from a genetic defect in the ureter's valve mechanism.
- Its prevalence in adults is unclear, but it's more frequently diagnosed in women due to higher UTI rates.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of adult VUR.
- To highlight the association between VUR, renal parenchyma development, and potential complications like reflux nephropathy.
- To discuss the current lack of conclusive evidence for VUR correction indications.
Summary:
- Primary VUR stems from an abnormally long intravesical ureter segment due to genetic mutations, impairing the ureterovesical junction's valve function.
- In adults, VUR often presents as recurrent urinary tract infections (cystitis or pyelonephritis), proteinuria, hypertension, or renal failure.
- Reflux nephropathy is linked to abnormal renal development (hypoplasia/dysplasia) rather than VUR itself, with VUR acting as a marker.
Impact:
- VUR diagnosis in adults can reveal underlying genetic abnormalities affecting renal development.
- Understanding VUR's role as a marker for abnormal renal parenchyma development is crucial for managing potential kidney damage.
- Correction of VUR is strongly considered for women planning pregnancy due to risks of recurrent pyelonephritis and nephropathy.
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