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Scintigraphy and sonography in reflux nephropathy: a comparison
M Riccabona1, E Ring, U Maurer
1University Hospital Graz, Department of Pediatrics, Austria.
Nuclear Medicine Communications
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Sonography accurately monitors renal size and structure in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, scintigraphy is superior for evaluating very small kidneys or assessing renal function in reflux nephropathy (RNP).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Urology
Background:
- Reflux nephropathy (RNP) evaluation is crucial for managing pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
- Sonography and scintigraphy are key monitoring tools for RNP development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of sonography in monitoring RNP in children with VUR.
- To compare sonographic renal size measurements with renographic findings.
Main Methods:
- 63 children with VUR (mean age 8.8 years) underwent prospective sonographical examinations.
- Renal size was calculated sonographically and compared to static and dynamic renographic data (DMSA uptake).
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between relative DMSA uptake and sonographically estimated relative renal size (r=0.95, P<0.001).
- The correlation between relative kidney function and sonographically estimated renal size was weaker (r=0.83, P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Sonography provides accurate information on renal size, parenchymal structure, and pelvic distention in VUR monitoring.
- Scintigraphy remains the preferred method for very small kidneys, severe dilatation, and evaluating renal function in RNP.