[Reflux nephropathy].
Reflux nephropathy is characterized by the presence at radiological examination of one or several segmental scars in the renal parenchyma, associated with vesico-ureteral reflux. Histology displays a variety of lesions, among which chronic and atrophic pyelonephritis, segmental hypoplasia and renal dysplasia can be individualized. Most of these renal lesions can be prevented by early detection of the reflux which encourages the development and recurrence of urinary tract infection and its diffusion to the upper urinary tract and the kidneys. The finding of a vesico-ureteral reflux with renal lesions, even after spontaneous or surgical regression of this reflux, requires prolonged surveillance in view of the long-term risk of arterial hypertension and renal failure.