European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie·2010
Ultrasonic-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography is a safe and effective method for diagnosing obstructive hydronephrosis when other imaging fails. This minimally invasive technique provides crucial diagnostic information for various renal and ureteral conditions.
Area of Science:
Urology
Diagnostic Imaging
Nephrology
Background:
Obstructive hydronephrosis often presents challenges for conventional imaging techniques like excretory urography.
Retrograde pyelography may not be feasible in all cases of obstructive hydronephrosis.
There is a need for safe and accurate imaging modalities to visualize the renal collecting system in complex cases.
Observation:
Percutaneous antegrade pyelography (PAP) was performed under real-time ultrasonic guidance in 18 patients with obstructive hydronephrosis.
The procedure involved local anesthesia, renal pelvis needle insertion, fluid aspiration for cytology/culture, and contrast injection.
Radiograms and delayed films were obtained for diagnostic assessment.
Findings:
PAP successfully diagnosed pelvic and/or ureter tumors in 8 cases.
Congenital anomalies, including ureteropelvic and ureterovesical junction obstructions, were identified in 2 cases.
Ureteral ligation (3 cases) and ureteral stenosis (5 cases) were also diagnosed.
Dark-red urine and positive cytology in 6 cases were associated with pelvic/ureter tumors.
The procedure demonstrated a high safety profile with no severe complications.
Implications:
Ultrasonic-guided PAP is a valuable, safe, and accurate diagnostic tool for obstructive hydronephrosis.
It offers significant diagnostic advantages in cases where standard pyelography is unsuccessful or contraindicated.
The technique aids in the timely diagnosis of tumors, congenital anomalies, and other ureteral pathologies, guiding appropriate management.