Radionuclide examinations of the ureteral peristalsis, carried out in children during the period between 1978 and 1979

During the study described here ureteral kinetograms (UKG) were recorded in a total of 150 children in order to assess the ureteral peristalsis and other factors related to the kinetic behaviour of the ureter. The special benefits of UKGs are owing to the fact that they may be obtained simultaneously with kidney or bone scintiscans, thus permitting the kinetic behaviour of the ureter to be evaluated without any additional risk to the patient or the need of further exposure to radioactivity. They provide valuable information about the physiology and motility of the ureter and are particularly suitable in megalo-ureter for the detection of the typical pendular movements (stenotic urine flow), both before and after surgery. The following signs and manifestations can be ascertained by means of UKG: Peristaltic movements, reversed peristalsis, deposits, incipient conal changes, intraureteral reflux, diuretic ureter and dyskinesia. Iodine-123-labeled hippuran is regarded as the most suitable tracer substance, since it yields optimal renal activity curves and remains visible for a sufficiently long period of time, while being associated with only a minimum amount of radiation. UKG cannot speak for itself but has to be interpreted within the context of other examinations. It contributes data on the motility of the ureter, which may help to confirm or disprove a certain diagnosis. (TRV)