Comparison of Renal Ultrasound and Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) in the Detection of Vesicoureteral Reflux

Introduction: This study evaluates the accuracy of renal ultrasonography (US) in the detection of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) compared to voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 131 children with urinary tract infection. Ultrasound findings were considered to be suggestive of VUR if a “pelvocalyceal dilatation”‚ “retrovesical ureteral dilatation” and/or an “increase in one or both kidneys’ size” were reported. Results: Ultrasound findings were positive for VUR in 5 of 24 patients with confirmed VUR on VCUG, and were negative in all of 107 patients without VUR on VCUG. Altogether, of the 131 children‚ 24 had reflux on VCUG, 19 (79%) of who had no sonographic findings suggestive for reflux. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in Suggesting VUR were 20% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that ultrasonography cannot accurately detect or predict vesicoureteral reflux. This outcome should be mentioned by clinicians in evaluation of patients with complaints which are suggestive for VUR.