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Review
. 2006 Sep;36 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):185-91.
doi: 10.1007/s00247-006-0185-3.

Applying the ALARA concept to the evaluation of vesicoureteric reflux

Richard S Lee  1 , David A Diamond, Jeanne S Chow
Affiliations
Review

Applying the ALARA concept to the evaluation of vesicoureteric reflux

Richard S Lee et al. Pediatr Radiol. 2006 Sep.

Abstract

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a widely used study to define lower urinary tract anatomy and to diagnose vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children. We examine the technical advances in the VCUG and other examinations for reflux that have reduced radiation exposure of children, and we give recommendations for the use of imaging studies in four groups of children: (1) children with urinary tract infection, (2) siblings of patients with VUR, (3) infants with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH), and (4) children with a solitary functioning kidney. By performing examinations with little to no radiation, carefully selecting only the children who need imaging studies and judiciously timing follow-up examinations, we can reduce the radiation exposure of children being studied for reflux.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Graphical representation of VUR prevalence determined from 54 studies weighted by sample size of children with UTI (reproduced with permission from Pediatrics vol. 103, pp 843–52, copyright 1999 by the AAP)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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