Safety assessment and diagnostic evaluation of patients undergoing contrast-enhanced urosonography in the setting of vesicoureteral reflux confirmation

“There are many diagnostic options available, including voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and contrasted-enhanced urosonography (ceVUS). ceVUS combines a diagnostic tool with a high sensitivity and specificity which, according to previous study results, was even shown to be superior to VCUG.”

“Nevertheless, despite the recommendation of the EFSUMB, ceVUS has not found a widespread use in clinical diagnostics in Europe yet.”

“Materials and methods: Between 2016 and 2020, 49 patients with a marked female dominance (n = 37) were included.”

“The 49 patients included in the study showed no adverse effects. 51% of patients (n = 26) were referred with the initial diagnosis of suspected VUR, while 49% of patients (n = 23) came for follow-up examination or to rule out recurrence of VUR. The vast majority had at least one febrile urinary tract infection in their recent medical history (n = 45; 91,8%).”

“Conclusion: ceVUS is an examination method with a low risk profile which represents with its high sensitivity and specificity an excellent diagnostic tool in the evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux, especially in consideration of a generally very young patient cohort.”