A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis). While UTIs are primarily diagnosed through urine testing and clinical symptoms, ultrasound plays an important role in certain clinical scenarios. In children with their first febrile UTI, renal ultrasound is recommended to evaluate for congenital anomalies such as hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux, or duplex kidney that may predispose to infection. In adults, ultrasound may be performed to look for complications like renal abscess, pyonephrosis (infected hydronephrosis), or obstruction, especially when a UTI does not respond to standard antibiotic treatment. Ultrasound can also identify predisposing factors such as kidney stones or incomplete bladder emptying.
Sonography Term