Renal Trauma in Pediatrics: A Current Review

Children are at increased risk of renal injuries from blunt trauma. Four-phase computed tomography with intravenous contrast (noncontrast, arterial, nephrographic, and pyelographic phases) is the choice for initial imaging, although ultrasonography might also be used in children with minimal symptoms. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma developed the known system for renal injury grading, which was modified in 2011. The management of pediatric renal injuries has largely shifted toward conservative means. However, as long as the child remains hemodynamically unstable, renal exploration might be necessary. There is a trend toward managing high-grade injuries with interventional radiography procedures.