This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Guthrie, J. D. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Prenatal Diagnosis of Posterior Urethral Valves

Children's Hospital Central California, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, CA 93638; guthriej{at}hotmail.com

Posterior urethral valves are a urologic deformity involving a narrowing of the prostatic portion of the male urethra. This causes a bladder outlet obstruction. The sonographic criteria include hydronephrosis, bilateral ureterectasis, and enlarged bladder, with a "keyhole" appearance in the region of the obstruction of the prostatic urethra. Varying degrees of oligohydramnios will be present due to the inability of the fetus to release urine. Additional findings may include pulmonary hypoplasia due to lack of amniotic fluid. In severe cases, the bladder may rupture and cause urinary ascites within the fetal pelvis. A case study demonstrating this condition is presented.

Key Words: posterior urethral valves • bladder outlet obstruction • hydronephrosis • pulmonary hypoplasia • oligohydramnios

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?