Why is vesicoureteral reflux important, and how is it demonstrated?
VUR in children can cause recurrent UTIs and lead to permanent renal scarring, termed reflux nephropathy . This condition can cause complications such as hypertension and renal insufficiency; 10% to 30% of all cases of end-stage renal disease may be related to reflux nephropathy. In adults, VUR has less clinical significance, although it can be associated with recurrent or intractable UTIs, and rarely even flank pain. VUR is reliably shown by fluoroscopically monitored VCUG. However, if the bladder is not distended to the point of voiding, VUR may not be shown. In children, radionuclide cystography is an alternative study to minimize radiation exposure to the pelvic organs.
