Diagnostic Accuracy of Ureteric Jet Angle Measurement Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Children With Vesico-Ureteric Reflux: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated accuracy of ureteric jet angles on color Doppler sonography in diagnosing vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in children, using voiding cystourethrogram as the reference standard. Six databases were searched, yielding 13 eligible studies of an initial 429, 7 with comparable data. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Most studies demonstrated a correlation between increasing jet angle and VUR severity, but reporting and techniques varied, preventing meta-analysis. Ureteric jet angle sonography may have potential as a VUR triaging tool. Further investigations with rigorous methodology are required. Funding support was obtained from Queensland University of Technology. PROSPERO Registration CRD42020159799. (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.)