urethral atresia

Urethral agenesis (or urethral atresia) refers to a situation where there is a congenital absence of the urethra.  It can be a cause of fetal obstructive uropathy.

Pathology

Associations

• prune belly syndrome
• bladder agenesis

Radiographic features

Antenatal ultrasound

May show a dilated fetal bladder + / - dilated upper tracts.

Ancillary sonographic features include

• presence of oligohydramnios

Prognosis

It is incompatible with life unless an alternative communication between the bladder and amniotic sac exists. In selected situations intra uterine vesico-amniotic shunts can be considered.

Differential diagnosis

For a dilated bladder and upper tract in utero consider

• posterior urethral valves

Siehe auch:

• Urethralklappe

und weiter:

• genitourinary curriculum
• Oligohydramnion
• fetal hydronephrosis
• Obstruktive Uropathie
• Atresie
• kongenitale Anomalien der Urethra