[Imaging in children and adolescents with urinary tract infections]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Diagnostic imaging in urology
• Renal and urinary tract disorders

Context:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent in children.
• Imaging plays a vital role in identifying predisposing factors (e.g., urinary transport disorders, vesicoureteral reflux) and complications (e.g., abscesses, pyonephrosis).
• Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent recurrent UTIs and their sequelae in pediatric patients.

Purpose:

• To outline the diagnostic imaging approach for pediatric UTIs.
• To detail the roles of various imaging modalities, including sonography, voiding urosonography, voiding cystourethrography, scintigraphy, MRI, and CT.
• To emphasize the importance of precise imaging for preventing recurrent infections and sequelae, with a focus on radiation protection.

Summary:

• Sonography is the primary initial imaging technique for UTIs.
• Voiding urosonography or voiding cystourethrography are used for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux.
• Further investigations may involve scintigraphy, MRI, or CT, selected based on clinical needs and radiation safety.

Impact:

• Facilitates early detection and management of UTIs in children.
• Guides appropriate treatment strategies to prevent kidney damage and recurrent infections.
• Highlights the critical need for radiation protection in pediatric diagnostic imaging.