Abdominal Ultrasonography in Urinary Tract Infection - When and Why?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in a child may be the first symptom of congenital anomaly of the kidneys and the urinary tract (CAKUT). Thus, imaging diagnostics are warranted in children with first episode of UTI.

Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) is the first line imaging modality in evaluating children with UTI. Abnormalities suggesting CAKUT found on USG are an indication for further, more invasive tests. The timing of USG in UTI depends on the clinical situation. It always should be performed urgently when serious acute complications of UTI are suspected. However, appropriate timing of USG in children responding well to therapy, is a matter of debate. According to animal studies, E. coli produces toxin which dilates the urinary tract. This may result in misleading picture on USG in acute phase of infection. Guidelines on UTI management in children differ in respect to recommended USG timing.

The purpose of the study is to investigate how UTI does affect USG results in children and when its effect subsides.

Methods 150 children up to 3 years of age, with the first episode of UTI, will be included in our study. Three USG examinations will be performed by single radiologist in every child:

1. in the first day of treatment,
2. two weeks after treatment initiation,
3. four weeks after treatment initiation. Age, gender, etiologic factor, C-reactive protein concentration and white blood cells count will be included in statistical analysis.

The study is aimed to help clinicians interpret USG findings during UTI and make reasonable plans for further imaging diagnostics in children with UTI.