Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
vesicoureteral reflux
Pronunciation: VEH-si-ko-you-REE-ter-al REE-fluks
Backward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and potentially the kidneys, commonly causing urinary tract infections in children.
Full Definition
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into one or both ureters, and sometimes up to the kidneys. This retrograde flow occurs due to a defective valve mechanism at the ureterovesical junction. VUR is a significant cause of recurrent urinary tract infections in pediatric patients and can lead to renal scarring if left untreated. The condition is graded from I to V based on severity, with higher grades indicating more extensive reflux.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as VUR in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's recurrent UTIs prompted investigation for vesicoureteral reflux." — Pediatric urology consultation note
- "Grade III vesicoureteral reflux was identified on the voiding cystourethrogram." — Radiology report
Also known as
VUR
Don't confuse with
ureterovesical reflux
vesicovaginal reflux