Pediatric Radiology > Genitorinary > Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is the most common cause of an abdominal mass in the neonate. Hydronephrosis is dilatation of the urinary tract collecting system. This may be due to obstructive causes, reflux or prune belly syndrome. Hydronephrosis is frequently diagnosed on an OB ultrasound. Nearly all of these cases will resolve postnatally. This should be demonstrated with an ultrasound exam. If the hydronephrosis persists greater than 3 months, then further workup should include a nuclear medicine renal scan to evaluate for obstruction and a VCUG to evaluate for reflux.