Evaluation of Imaging Studies in Male Infants less than 3 Months after First Urinary Tract Infection

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of urinary tract anomalies in male neonates less than 3months old who presented with urinary tract infection(UTI) and to evaluate a appropriate imaging approach after first UTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 5 years, from March 1994 to February 1999, 65 male infants less than 3months old(range 4-92 days, mean 43 days) with UTI were evaluated. Ultrasound(US) and Voiding cystourethrogram(VCUG) were done in 60 patients. Due to refusal and technological problem, 5 patients were missed. 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (99mTc-DMSA renal scan) was recommended to most patients but performed in 40 patients. Renal scan was performed at least 3 months later after urinary tract infection. RESULTS: Urinary tract anomalies were found in 26 of 65 infants. Twenty-six had vesicoureteral reflux(VUR), two had both VUR and double ureter, two had both VUR and posterior urethral valve. In patients with VUR, eight had renal scar or renal atrophies. In case of renal scar or atrophy, grades of VUR were III or above. CONCLUSION: We suggest that US and VCUG should be routinely performed in infants(<3months)with first UTI. 99mTc-DMSA renal scan should be performed only when renal parenchymal damage was observed in US and VUR grade III or above in VCUG.