Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder up into one or both ureters and potentially into the kidneys. It is the most common urological abnormality in children and is a significant risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney scarring. While the gold standard for diagnosing VUR is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) using fluoroscopy, ultrasound plays an important supportive role. Renal ultrasound can identify associated findings such as hydronephrosis, renal scarring, or duplex kidney. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) is an emerging ultrasound-based alternative that uses intravesical contrast to diagnose reflux without radiation. Ultrasound is also used for monitoring known VUR patients over time.
Sonography Term