[Roentgenologic findings in the urinary tract of children with spina bifida and meningomyelocele].

Abstract

In the years 1972-1979, 63 infants with spina bifida and myelomeningocele were under observation: in this group there were 29 boys and 34 girls, newborns and infants constituted 51% of this group. In 54 children spina bifida is observed in lumbar and/or lumborsacral segments of spine. In the roentgenographic evaluation the congenital malformations of urinary tract were present in 13% cases. Congenital skeletal malformations were coexistent in 9% children. In the first I.V.P. the roentgen appearance of hydronephrosis were manifested in 33%, in cystography abnormal picture was observed in 80% cases. The changes in neurogenic bladder were: trabeculated wall, obstructions of the flow of urine, residual urine and in 38% cases reflux into the kidney. Spontaneous flow of urine and normal micturition cystography is observed only in children, in which spina bifida was stated below second lumbar vertebral segment. No correlation exists between the level of spina bifida and radiological image of urinary tract.