Intrarenal Reflux: Diagnosis at Contrast-Enhanced Voiding Urosonography

Abstract

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a childhood condition that is usually diagnosed by fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Intrarenal reflux (IRR) of infected urine is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of reflux-associated pyelonephritis and subsequent parenchymal scarring and is traditionally depicted by fluoroscopic VCUG. This case series describes the phenomenon of IRR occurring in association with VUR in 4 children as depicted by contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography. The ability of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography to show IRR when it occurs in conjunction with VUR compares favorably to that of fluoroscopic VCUG.

Keywords: contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography; intrarenal reflux; kidney; pediatric ultrasound; sonography; urinary bladder; vesicoureteral reflux; voiding cystourethrography.