Mini-Review on Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents nowadays a controversial issue regarding its diagnosis, screening and treatment for its potential renal damage is not clearly understood. We aim in this mini-review to study the pathogenesis of VUR mechanisms in order to understand its clinical presentation and then be able to evaluate evidence in its screening and diagnosis. Primary VUR is essentially related to short intravesical length of the ureter, while secondary reflux is more related to anatomic or neuro functional anomalies of the bladder. Prevalence of VUR is high in siblings and offspring of index patients making its genetic predisposition quite evident. Recommendations in evaluation of VUR in case of antenatal hydronephrosis or urinary tract infection (UTI) differ among experts and organizations with benefits and inconveniences to each attitude.