Imaging Of The Urinary Tract ✅ Flashcards
What is the most frequently used imaging modality in paediatric nephrology?
Ultrasound scan
What are the advantages of ultrasound in paediatric nephrology?
- Non-invasive
- Provides very good anatomical detail
What kind of ultrasound may be particularly useful in paediatric nephrology?
Colour Doppler ultrasound
What is colour Doppler ultrasound useful for?
Ascertaining renal blood flow
When might it be useful to ascertain renal blood flow?
- Check graft perfusion after renal transplantation
- In suspected renal vein thrombosis
- In renal artery stenosis
What are the other imaging modalities used in paediatric nephrology?
- Micturating cystourethrogram
- Nuclear scans
How is MCUG performed?
Bladder catheterised, and small amount of contrast medium is injected through the catheter to fill up the bladder
What are the advantages of MCUG?
- Allows very good images to be obtained of lower urinary tract
- Useful in documenting any bladder outlet obstruction, such as posterior urethral valves
What is MCUG the gold standard for?
Documenting and grading VUR
What are the disadvantage of MCUG?
- Small risk of infection
- Requirement for radiation
- Need for urethral catheterisation, which can be psychologically traumatic
In who might uretural catheterisation particularly psychologically traumatic?
Toddlers
What nuclear imaging techniques are used in paediatric nephrology?
- Dynamic scanning
- Static scanning
What scans can be used in dynamic scanning of the urinary system?
- MAG3
- DTPA
What is dynamic scanning of the urinary system useful for?
- Showing obstruction
- Gives estimate of split differential function both kidneys
Give an example of a cause of obstruction that can be seen on dynamic scanning?
Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction