Diagnostic ultrasound: its value in acute urinary tract infection in spinal cord injury.

Two cases of acute urinary tract infection in patients with spinal cord injury highlight the complications of calculus and perinephric abscess. Rather than waiting the customary 48 hours to assess response to antibiotics before evaluation for secondary complications, diagnostic ultrasound is advocated upon diagnosis of pyelonephritis. The potential benefits of early imaging seem to far outweigh the negligible risk and expense.