Can we rely on the presence of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer mounds on ultrasound to predict vesicoureteral reflux resolution after injection therapy?

J Urol. 2011 Jun;185(6 Suppl):2536-41. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2011.01.026. Epub 2011 Apr 28.

Abstract

Purpose: We determined whether the presence or absence of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer mounds on bladder ultrasound coincides with voiding cystourethrogram results after injection therapy in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer injection for primary vesicoureteral reflux. The primary outcome investigated was the appearance of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer mounds on ultrasound and their association with voiding cystourethrogram results postoperatively. An intramural dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer mound on ultrasound was considered a negative test result for vesicoureteral reflux.

Results: A total of 187 cases were identified, of which 132 had imaging available for evaluation. Intramural mounds were seen on ultrasound in 86 cases postoperatively, of which 34 (40%) had a positive voiding cystourethrogram. Of 46 cases in which no mound was identified 21 (46%) had a positive voiding cystourethrogram. The sensitivity of ultrasound to determine the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux was 38%, specificity was 67%, accuracy was 55%, the positive predictive value was 46% and the negative predictive value was 60%.

Conclusions: Our results indicate poor correlation of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer mound appearance on ultrasound with voiding cystourethrogram results after injection. To adequately evaluate for the resolution of vesicoureteral reflux a voiding cystogram or nuclear medicine cystogram needs to be performed after injection therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravesical
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dextrans / administration & dosage*
  • Dextrans / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / analysis
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / therapy*

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer
  • Hyaluronic Acid