What is a common evaluation method for suspected vesicoureteral reflux?

A voiding cystourethrogram is the most common method used to evaluate suspected vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This test involves the insertion of a catheter into the bladder and filling it with a contrast dye while the patient is asked to void. It allows for direct visualization of the urinary tract and can identify any backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys, which is the hallmark of VUR. This imaging technique provides detailed information about the anatomy and function of the bladder and urethra during urination, making it particularly suited for diagnosing reflux.

In contrast, an ultrasound can provide valuable information about the kidneys and bladder's structural abnormalities but is less definitive for assessing VUR. While a CT scan offers high-resolution images and can demonstrate urinary anatomy, it is not typically used for VUR due to radiation exposure, especially in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely utilized for this indication because it is more complex, time-consuming, and generally not necessary for evaluating reflux compared to a voiding cystourethrogram.