The Role of Radiographic Imaging in Diagnosis and Follow-up of Vesicoureteral Reflux: Review Article

Abstract

Background: Primary vesicoureteral reflux is a basic influencing for urinary tract infections in children. The basic technique for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux is voiding cystourethrography, accompanied with cystoscintigraphy. Voiding cystourethrography has the benefit of only minor irradiation. However it does no longer permit the morphological assessment of bladder and vesicoureteral reflux grading. Colored-Doppler cystosonography with echocontrast is a currently delivered technique for imaging vesicoureteral reflux. The purpose of our study is to explore the role of Radiographic Imaging in diagnosis and follow‐up of vesicoureteral reflux. Method: A systematic review was carried out, (including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO) of imaging modalities used to detect or evaluate vesicoureteral reflux disease. The found articles were screened by titles, and abstracts. No software will be utilized to analyze the data. The review was performed by the group members and each verified by at least two, to ensure the validity and minimize the mistakes. Results and Conclusion: Colour-Doppler cystosonography, due to the nonexistence of ionizing radiations, has great benefits, mainly in cases requiring continued or prolonged monitoring. In spite of practices stated in the literature, this procedure has a role in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux. Our group chooses colour-Doppler cystosonography for the follow-up of medium-severe grade vesicoureteral reflux previously diagnosed by radiology and/or scintigraphy. Cystoscintigraphy is used only to confirm cases resulting negative at ultrasonography.