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Voiding cystourethrography for the pediatric nephrologist: clinical value, challenges, and areas of debate

delete2025-09-09
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OA
AI
P
Pierluigi Marzuillo *
A
Angela La Manna
P
Pier Luigi Palma
P
Paola Tirelli
A
Anna Di Sessa
A
Anna Russo
A
Alfonso Reginelli
A
Agnese Roberti
L
Laura Verde
S
Stefano Guarino
G
Giovanni Di Iorio
DOI:10.1007/s00467-025-06901-3delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is indicated for evaluating the anatomy of the urethra and bladder. It is primarily used to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and posterior urethral valves (PUV), especially in cases of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs), significant ureteral dilation on ultrasound, and—in continent children—urinary symptoms suggestive of infravesical obstruction. VCUG exposes children to a non-negligible dose of radiation and requires urethral catheterization, which can be painful—particularly in males—and carries a low but present risk of post-procedural UTI. Despite its widespread use, VCUG can miss VUR in up to 50% of cases. Moreover, recent studies report that preoperative suspicion of PUV on VCUG was present in only 46% of non-toilet-trained and 59% of toilet-trained males, likely due to challenges in interpreting the VCUG findings. In this review, we will highlight the clinical value, challenges, and areas of debate surrounding this diagnostic test, and offer practical tips to optimize its performance.
Keywords:
Voiding cystourethrography
Vesicoureteral reflux
Posterior urethral valves
Urinary tract infection

Journal

Pediatric Nephrology cover
Pediatric Nephrology
IF:
2.6
Papers:
882
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

D
Department of Mathematics and Physics
Scholars:
64
Papers: 44
Citations: 1
D
Department of Precision Medicine
Scholars:
128
Papers: 53
Citations: 1
D
department of woman
Scholars:
61
Papers: 32
Citations: 0
S
Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital
Scholars:
19
Papers: 5
Citations: 0
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