Voiding Dysfunction: What Can Radiologists Tell Patients and Pediatric Urologists?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Dysfunctional voiding is common in children, but most cases lack anatomical abnormalities.
• Identifying the small percentage with an anatomical basis for incontinence is critical for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the role and judicious application of imaging in evaluating children with dysfunctional voiding.
• To assist pediatric urologists in identifying anatomical causes of incontinence.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging techniques used in pediatric dysfunctional voiding.
• Discussion on the selective use of imaging based on clinical presentation and experience.

Main Results:

• Most children with dysfunctional voiding (98%) present with normal anatomy.
• Imaging is most valuable in the 1-2% of cases with an identifiable anatomical abnormality.

Conclusions:

• Imaging can provide diagnostic findings for accurate management of dysfunctional voiding in select pediatric patients.
• The diagnostic yield of imaging is low, necessitating judicious use by pediatric urologists.
• Clinical experience guides decisions on when to prioritize imaging versus conservative management.