The value of ultrasound in the child with an acute urinary tract infection

Objective To assess the value of an ultrasound examination in children with a proven urinary tract infection. Patients and methods The results of renal ultrasound and 99mTc-dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) studies were compared in 112 children with a first documented symptomatic Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. Results Ultrasound was particularly effective in detecting the presence of obstruction, renal swelling and parenchymal change consistent with acute pyelonephritis. However, ultrasound failed to detect half of the kidneys with photon deficient areas on 99mTc DMSA scan and was unreliable in detecting the presence of scarring. Conclusion An ultrasound examination alone should not be relied on in the child with an acute urinary tract infection.