Voiding Cystourethrography

Abstract

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a fluoroscopic examination commonly used in pediatrics to assess the presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) disease and the structure and function of the bladder and urethra. Along with hydronephrosis and febrile urinary tract infections, the indications for VCUG are vast. Protocols set in place and modern techniques have helped reduce radiation exposure during VCUG to 1.7 to 5.2 mrad. Proper patient preparation and sterile technique during catheter placement are of the upmost importance. The bladder is filled with contrast to the patient’s capacity, followed by the patient voiding. A scout film (anteroposterior [AP]) along with views of early filling (AP), bladder capacity (AP and oblique), voiding (AP and oblique), and postvoid (AP) are obtained. VUR is diagnosed, and its grading system is determined by the VCUG study. Cyclic VCUG, PIC cystography, and radionucleotide VCUG are alternative techniques in diagnosing VUR. Neurogenic bladder, along with its associated pathologies, can be easily characterized by the VCUG examination, as can cloacal and urogenital sinuses via the contrasted study. Bladder ruptures, bladder masses, urachal anomalies, functional disorders of the bladder neck, and a host of urethral pathologies (most notably posterior urethral valves) can be diagnosed by VCUG. This review contains 62 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, and 9 references Key words: voiding cystourethrography, fluoroscopy, radiology, imaging, pediatric, urology, vesicoureteral reflux