Summary

• The urinary tract should be evaluated by visualizing both kidneys and the collecting systems, together with the bladder.

• Each kidney needs to be scanned in the longitudinal and transverse orientation for better identification of abnormalities.

• Hydronephrosis will include multiple grades. It is important to familiarize yourself with the grading system.

• The bladder is an anechoic structure. It should be evaluated in both the transverse and longitudinal orientation.

• Ureteral jets can be viewed with the application of color Doppler in the transverse orientation.

• Be aware of pitfalls when evaluating the renal system and bladder.

Figure 22: Summary of hydronephrosis grading. Image use with permission POCUS 101 [11]