Postnatal Sonographic Assessment and Clinical Interpretation of Pediatric Hydronephrosis: A Case‑Based Evaluation of Urinary Tract Dilation and Management Pathways
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Myka Bussey-Campbell
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Waters College of Health Professions
Department
Clinical Sciences
Abstract
Hydronephrosis is dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces from impaired urine outflow. Hydronephrosis is commonly seen in prenatal and postnatal assessments, and ultrasound is the primary modality for the initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. It effects 1% of all pregnancies, and 2-2.5% of children, with a higher prevalence in boys. This presentation focuses on the sonographic monitoring of pediatric hydronephrosis in a 7 year old white male with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis. This case involves a postnatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis which was being monitored through renal ultrasound. Key findings from the ultrasound include bilateral dilated renal pelvis and calyces. With the right renal pelvis measuring 2.10 cm AP and the left renal pelvis measuring 1.88cm AP. The ureters were notability visible. The standard pediatric renal ultrasound techniques include using higher frequency probes in the 5-15MHz range, employing color Doppler bilaterally to evaluate the renal vessels, and assessing the full bladder to see volume retained. A 2-5MHz curvilinear (convex) probe was used in this case. These methods ensure that visualization of the kidneys and urinary tract are optimal. Additional imaging was not recommended and the patient was not recommended any intervention as this was for monitoring the hydronephrosis. The patient was found to have a stable amount of dilation since the last ultrasound therefore the decision to continue monitoring was made by the physician. Sonographic evaluation of postnatal hydronephrosis provides a safe and repeatable method for monitoring renal structure and function, allowing physicians detect early changes and protect the kidney health of a vulnerable population.
Key words: Pediatric hydronephrosis, Postnatal ultrasound, renal pelvis dilation, Calyceal dilation, Ultrasound technique , Sonographic monitoring
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Fuller, Kayla, "Postnatal Sonographic Assessment and Clinical Interpretation of Pediatric Hydronephrosis: A Case‑Based Evaluation of Urinary Tract Dilation and Management Pathways" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 59.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/59
Postnatal Sonographic Assessment and Clinical Interpretation of Pediatric Hydronephrosis: A Case‑Based Evaluation of Urinary Tract Dilation and Management Pathways
Savannah Ballroom
Hydronephrosis is dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces from impaired urine outflow. Hydronephrosis is commonly seen in prenatal and postnatal assessments, and ultrasound is the primary modality for the initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. It effects 1% of all pregnancies, and 2-2.5% of children, with a higher prevalence in boys. This presentation focuses on the sonographic monitoring of pediatric hydronephrosis in a 7 year old white male with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis. This case involves a postnatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis which was being monitored through renal ultrasound. Key findings from the ultrasound include bilateral dilated renal pelvis and calyces. With the right renal pelvis measuring 2.10 cm AP and the left renal pelvis measuring 1.88cm AP. The ureters were notability visible. The standard pediatric renal ultrasound techniques include using higher frequency probes in the 5-15MHz range, employing color Doppler bilaterally to evaluate the renal vessels, and assessing the full bladder to see volume retained. A 2-5MHz curvilinear (convex) probe was used in this case. These methods ensure that visualization of the kidneys and urinary tract are optimal. Additional imaging was not recommended and the patient was not recommended any intervention as this was for monitoring the hydronephrosis. The patient was found to have a stable amount of dilation since the last ultrasound therefore the decision to continue monitoring was made by the physician. Sonographic evaluation of postnatal hydronephrosis provides a safe and repeatable method for monitoring renal structure and function, allowing physicians detect early changes and protect the kidney health of a vulnerable population.
Key words: Pediatric hydronephrosis, Postnatal ultrasound, renal pelvis dilation, Calyceal dilation, Ultrasound technique , Sonographic monitoring
