Urosepsis in infants with vesicoureteral reflux masquerading as the salt-losing type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Pediatr Radiol. 1989;19(8):548-50. doi: 10.1007/BF02389571.

Abstract

Three male infants with vomiting, dehydration, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis were found to have vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infection. Two were initially thought to have the salt-losing form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Although prompt diagnosis of this potentially fatal condition is critical, its mimicry by urosepsis in infants with VUR is actually more common. Infection probably causes unresponsiveness of the distal renal tubules to aldosterone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Tract Infections / complications*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / complications*
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / diagnosis
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / diagnostic imaging