Is voiding cystourethrography necessary for evaluating unilateral ectopic pelvic kidney?

Özet

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate if voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is necessary for theevaluation of unilateral ectopic pelvic kidney (UEPK) in order to identify vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).Material and methods: Files of the patients who had been followed-up for ectopic pelvic kidney in twopediatric nephrology clinics between August 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Otheranomalies, such as crossed, fused, and bilateral pelvic ectopia were excluded. Preliminary diagnoses weremade via urinary ultrasonography while dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy was carried out to confirmthe diagnoses. Differential renal function and presence of renal scars was checked. VCUG results were obtained and those patients that showed VUR were noted.Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study (41 males and 31 females). The median patient agewas 4.1 years (range: 2 months-14.5 years). Hydronephrosis was present in only 4 patients (5.6%), where 1one of those was on the contralateral side. UEPKs contributed to the mean 37.9±7.8% of total renal functionand 15% of these patients had renal scars (expressed as a global reduction in function, not as patchy scars).VCUG was obtained in 42 patients and VUR was present in only 1 patient (2.4%). The median follow-upperiod was 16.5 months (range: 3-92 months).Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that hydronephrosis and VUR are not common in UEPKs.Therefore, routine VCUG should be avoided in the evaluation of UEPK in order to protect patients fromunnecessary radiation exposure and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.