What is the value of magnetic resonance venography in children before renal transplantation?

Radiological evaluation before renal transplantation includes imaging of vascular anatomy, as thrombosis, narrowing and anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or iliac veins (IV) can influence the surgical technique. Most cases only require investigation with Doppler vessel ultrasonography (US), with magnetic resonance venography (MRV) reserved to clarify US findings and investigate high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to compare these modalities in evaluating IVC and IV and correlate imaging and operative findings of patients at RTx surgery.

Postnatal investigation of fetal renal disease.

Following the introduction of routine prenatal scanning, and more recently detailed anomaly scans, antenatal ultrasound (US) diagnosis of fetal renal tract abnormalities has become well established. Prenatal detection has resulted in a group of asymptomatic infants becoming patients in the last two decades. These infants are referred for paediatric (general, urological and nephrological) consultations, radiological imaging and monitoring.

Mutation analyses of Uroplakin II in children with renal tract malformations.

Background: Uroplakin (UP) proteins cover urothelial apical surfaces. Mice lacking UPIIIa have elevated urothelial permeability and congenital renal tract anomalies, and UPIIIa mutations have been reported in children with kidney and ureter malformations. Mice with null mutation of another UP family member, UPII, are often born with congenital hydronephrosis.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with uterine and renal enlargement in a young girl.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the fourth most common childhood malignancy. Uterine involvement with NHL is well described in adults, rare in children and has not been described in the first 2 years of life. While renal involvement in NHL is well recognised, diffuse renal enlargement is an uncommon finding.

Three-dimensional sonographic evaluation of the infant spine: preliminary findings.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate normal spinal anatomy in neonates and infants as seen by 3-dimensional sonography (3D US), to determine the value of 3D US in the evaluation of occult spinal dysraphia in infants, and to correlate the findings of 3D US with those of 2-dimensional sonography (2D US) and MRI, when available.

Methods: We used 2D US and 3D US to examine the lumbosacral spine in infants with cutaneous stigmata, syndromes associated with spinal dysraphia, and abnormal radiographs. We also evaluated, as controls, healthy infants who had no markers of spinal abnormality.