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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
State-of-the-Art Renal Imaging in Children
Bernarda Viteri1,2,3, Juan S Calle-Toro2, Susan Furth4,3
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics and viterib@email.chop.edu.
Insights
Pediatricians can now better diagnose kidney and urinary tract disorders using advanced imaging. This guide clarifies novel techniques, their uses, and risks for improved congenital anomaly detection in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Urology
Background:
- Modern technology has driven rapid advancements in pediatric renal and urinary tract disorder diagnostics.
- General pediatricians and neonatologists are key in identifying renal anomalies early.
- A knowledge gap exists regarding novel imaging modalities' applicability, indications, and nephrotoxic risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical impact of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT).
- To detail pediatric-specific renal imaging techniques.
- To provide a practical guideline for diagnosing kidney and urinary tract disorders in children.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent technological advancements in renal imaging.
- Analysis of clinical impact of CAKUT.
- Compilation of pediatric-specific imaging protocols and guidelines.
Main Results:
- Novel imaging modalities offer enhanced diagnostic capabilities for pediatric renal conditions.
- Understanding indications and risks is crucial for safe and effective use.
- Guidelines are established for practical diagnosis of kidney and urinary tract disorders.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging significantly improves the diagnosis of pediatric kidney and urinary tract disorders.
- A clear understanding of new techniques and their associated risks is essential for clinicians.
- This guideline aids pediatricians and neonatologists in managing renal anomalies effectively.
Abstract:
Imaging modalities for diagnosing kidney and urinary tract disorders in children have developed rapidly over the last decade largely because of advancement of modern technology. General pediatricians and neonatologists are often the front line in detecting renal anomalies. There is a lack of knowledge of the applicability, indications, and nephrotoxic risks of novel renal imaging modalities. Here we describe the clinical impact of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract and describe pediatric-specific renal imaging techniques by providing a practical guideline for the diagnosis of kidney and urinary tract disorders.
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