Urinary tract infections in children: renal ultrasound evaluation

Ultrasound may replace urography in screening pediatric patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections but without vesicoureteral reflux. A child undergoing a first radiographic evaluation for urinary tract infection is initially examined by voiding cystourethrography. If reflux is present, urography is performed. If no reflux is present, the kidneys are evaluated by real-time ultrasound; urography may also be performed if the ultrasound examination is abnormal, equivocal, or inadequate. A total of 192 patients was evaluated with this protocol; 146 (76%) had no reflux and therefore were examined with ultrasound. One patient was found to have hydronephrosis and underwent surgical correction. This group of patients was compared with a similar group of 223 patients without reflux who were evaluated by urography prior to the institution of the ultrasound protocol; there was no significant difference between the two groups in upper urinary tract findings that influenced patient management.