Diagnostic imaging in children with urinary tract infection: review of current concepts and suggested guidelines

Abstract

Symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) in childhood is estimated to occur with a frequency of up to 3% through adolescence. The practitioner caring for children requires both anatomic and physiologic information concerning the urinary tract to assist in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Advances in diagnostic imaging have resulted in numerous methods for evaluation of the urinary system. These procedures differ in the type of information obtained, risk or discomfort to the patient, and cost. Selection of the proper test(s) requires an understanding of these factors. Based on our survey of recent pertinent literature and our clinical experience, we present guidelines for appropriate diagnostic imaging in children with UTI, and we discuss the benefits and limitations of available imaging techniques along with concepts regarding the pathogenesis of UTI and causes of renal damage from UTI.