Congenital scoliosis and urinary tract abnormalities: are intravenous pyelograms necessary?

One hundred patients with a diagnosis of congenital scoliosis were reviewed with regard to their urologic history, chemistries, and excretory urography. A 40% incidence of urologic abnormality was found in these asymptomatic patients. Twenty-five additional patients were evaluated by excretory urography and ultrasonography. Of six patients identified by ultrasonography as having abnormalities five had results confirmed by excretory urography. Urologic evaluation of all patients with congenital scoliosis is recommended; however, diagnostic ultrasonographic evaluations of the urinary tract have proven to be an acceptable alternative as an initial screening modality.