ABSTRACT
Imaging departments make a crucial contribution both to the diagnosis of urological conditions and to their treatment – in the form of interventional radiology. The child’s age and ability to cooperate are important considerations when determining the choice of investigations. These factors also dictate the possible need for sedation or general anaesthesia. Many departments now offer dedicated child-friendly facilities and play therapists whose involvement can be invaluable in alleviating the distress of children undergoing the more invasive investigations. Imaging of the urinary tract provides information on anatomy, function, or frequently, both. In most instances a combination of imaging modalities will be required to provide the information needed to plan the most appropriate form of management. The most commonly used imaging tests are ultrasound (US), dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy, mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) dynamic diuresis renography with or without cystography and micturating cystourethrography (MCUG).
