The nuclear cystogram is performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department. The degree of reflux is used to assist in decision making with regard to treating the reflux and the ultimate prognosis of patients. Please see Figure 1 . More severe grades of reflux are associated with lower rates of spontaneous resolution and higher incidence of renal damage if not treated. Figure 1 Return to text .
Reflux occurs when the ureter enters the bladder abnormally.
As a result, the muscle backing of the bladder does not completely cover the ureter and urine inappropriately is allowed back towards the kidney. Reflux can also occur due to non-anatomical reasons like dysfunctional voiding, neurogenic bladders or other secondary causes. If this is the case, we will discuss the treatment options with you as the treatment may be different, and further evaluation may be needed. These are based upon the degree of reflux, the age of the child at the time of diagnosis, the number and severity of urinary tract infections, and the amount of damage to the kidneys seen on X-ray studies. In both management plans, your child will receive antibiotics in a low dose and on a daily basis.