Imaging of urinary tract in children in different clinical scenarios: a guide for general radiologists

Abstract

Background: Children are frequently referred to the pediatric radiology department due to complaints related to the urinary tract. Main body: We aimed to describe common clinical scenarios in paediatric urology practice and their recommended imaging diagnostic algorithms. Practical imaging approach to following common clinical scenarios and the common radiological findings are discussed: (A) perinatal urinary tract dilatation and other congenital anomalies; (B) recurrent urinary tract infection; (C) enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence; (D) abdominal masses; (E) flank pain; (F) hematuria; (G) trauma; (H) nonpalpable testis, ambiguous genitalia and common urogenital sinus anomalies; and I) renovascular hypertension Conclusions: Imaging investigations should be tailored according to the clinical presentation in a stepwise approach aiming for optimum patients’ care.