How is it diagnosed?
PUV can be diagnosed by a routine ultrasound scan during pregnancy if the bladder, ureters or kidneys are swollen. It can also be diagnosed in a newborn baby if the bladder is swollen and urine dribbles constantly. If the blockage is not severe the condition can remain undetected until the child has symptoms as above.
- Ultrasound of abdomen - this is very similar to the ultrasound scan that most women have during pregnancy. It creates a picture of the organs inside the body and shows how well they are working.
- Micturiting cystourethrogram (MCU) - this test shows urine passing from the bladder to the urethra and then to the outside. It will also show if the urine is flowing backwards towards the ureters and kidneys (reflux).
- Blood tests - these will show how well your child's kidneys are working and check that there is enough fluid inside the body.
Other tests and scans may be needed to check that other parts of the urinary system are working properly. These can include kidney and bladder function tests.
