Is It Just “Hydronephrosis”? Why We Needed a New Language in Pediatric Urinary Tract Dilation
Ever received a fetal scan report saying “mild pyelectasis,” and then the postnatal ultrasound called it “hydronephrosis”? Was it the same thing? Did it need follow-up? Antibiotics? A VCUG? Or was it just going to resolve on its own? If you’ve been asking these questions in your rounds or reports—you’re not alone. Let’s unravel the why , what , and how of the updated UTD Classification System for pediatric urinary tract dilation, and why it matters for us as residents in radiology and pediatrics alike. 🔍 Why was a new classification system needed? Confusing Terminology : Terms like hydronephrosis , pyelectasis , pelviectasis , and pelvicaliectasis were being used interchangeably—but not consistently. Disjointed Communication : Antenatal and postnatal reports often didn’t “speak the same language.” Pediatricians, nephrologists, urologists, and radiologists all interpreted the findings differently. Missed or O...