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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Photoacoustic Cystography
Published on: June 11, 2013
Real-time sonographic detection of vesicoureteral reflux in children
Insights
Real-time contrast sonography effectively detects vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. This imaging technique aids in managing VUR by visualizing reflux and assessing kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Urology
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a significant condition in children, potentially leading to kidney damage.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely management and prevention of complications.
- Conventional methods for VUR detection can be invasive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of real-time and contrast sonography in diagnosing VUR in pediatric patients.
- To compare sonographic findings with cystourethrography results.
- To assess the potential of sonography as a primary diagnostic tool for VUR.
Main Methods:
- Real-time sonography and contrast-enhanced sonography were employed.
- Fifty-five pediatric kidneys were examined during the filling phase of cystourethrography.
- Positive sonographic findings included microbubble visualization in the renal collecting system or collecting system dilatation.
Main Results:
- Out of 15 positive cystograms (grade II or greater reflux), 13 were correctly identified by sonography.
- Sonography demonstrated a high concordance rate with cystourethrography for detecting significant VUR.
- The technique allowed for simultaneous assessment of renal size and parenchymal scarring.
Conclusions:
- Real-time contrast sonography is a valuable tool for evaluating VUR in children.
- This non-invasive method aids in the management of pediatric VUR.
- Sonography offers a comprehensive assessment of renal anatomy and reflux status.
Abstract:
Real-time sonography and the principle of contrast sonography were used for evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux in children. Fifty-five kidneys were examined during the filling phase of cystourethrography. Of 15 positive cystograms, with grade II or greater reflux, 13 sonograms were positive. A positive sonogram was defined as visualization of moving microbubbles within the renal collecting system and/or dilatation of the collecting system during the course of bladder filling. This method may prove to be of value in the management of children with vesicoureteral reflux, particularly because sonography provides good visualization of renal size and parenchymal scarring while simultaneously demonstrating reflux.
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