The main problem with reflux is that it exposes the kidneys to infection. In children, particularly those in the first few years of life, urinary infection in the setting of reflux can cause kidney damage. Even a small area of scarring in one kidney may be a cause of high blood pressure later in life. In girls, reflux may lead to an increased chance of complications during pregnancy. Untreated reflux can also result in an incomplete bladder emptying with urination, and therefore infection may be encouraged.
Some patients are also susceptible to kidney stone formation because of their reflux.
Causes The valve system at the ureterovesical junction may be abnormal for a few reasons. In many patients the tunnel of the lower ureter through the muscular wall of the bladder created by angled entry may not be long enough. Once again, the result of this bad location is a short tunnel. Spontaneous resolution of reflux is less likely when the ureteral opening is in a very abnormal location. The basic evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux consists of an upper tract study to view the kidney and a lower tract study to see the bladder.