Sonographic evaluation of the normal ureteral submucosal tunnel in infancy and childhood.

Sonography was used to evaluate in vivo the length of the submucosal segment of the intravesical ureter in 35 normal infants, children and adults. Age varied between 3 and 30 years. Sonographic measurements were plotted against, age, height and weight. Analysis of the statistical data shows an almost linear growth profile in this age group. The dimensions obtained in vivo by ultrasound technique are comparable to the published dimensions obtained in vivo by endoscopic calibration or in vitro on fresh specimens. Although promising, ultrasound of the vesico-ureteral junction is because of technical limitations not yet applicable in neonates and infants in which measurement of the submucosal tunnel could be of clinical importance.