Efficacy of contrast-enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography to evaluate urinary tract patency in children.

A novel method known as contrast-enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography (cePNS), using an ultrasound contrast agent administered through the nephrostomy catheter, has been used to evaluate the urinary tract patency in children. Nine cePNS examinations were performed in seven children to evaluate the urinary tract patency prior to further management. The cePNS results were compared with the clinical evaluation of patent urinary tract cases or with surgery results. Both, the technical success rate and accuracy of cePNS examinations were 100%. CePNS is a radiation-free method and can be performed as a continuation of an ultrasound examination.