Testing & Diagnosis for Duplex Collecting System in Children

How are ureteral duplication and ureterocele diagnosed?

Often they are noticed before birth, when a prenatal ultrasound exam shows swelling (hydronephrosis) of a kidney. If a ureterocele isn't detected during pregnancy, it may not be detected until your child has recurrent urinary tract infections.

If your child has a history of frequent urinary tract infections, your child's physician may recommend the following tests:

• Ultrasound of the entire urinary tract - This imaging test helps your child's doctor view internal organs as they function and to check the blood flow through various vessels.

• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)- A special x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, using a liquid called contrast that helps reveal the rate and path of urine flow through the urinary tract.