Urol. praxi, 2015; 16(2): 75-79

How to proceed in prenatal ultrasonographic detection of urinary tract dilatation

MUDr.Ivo Novák, Ph.D.¹, doc.MUDr.Sylva Skálová, Ph.D.², MUDr.Karel Hodík, Ph.D.³, MUDr.Pavel Rejtar, Ph.D.⁴

¹ Urologická klinika FN a LF UK, Hradec Králové

² Dětská klinika FN a LF UK, Hradec Králové

³ Porodnická a gynekologická klinika FN a LF UK Hradec králové

⁴ Radiologická klinika FN a LF UK Hradec Králové

Routine prenatal screening of pregnant women increases the numbers of organ abnormalities found. Repeat ultrasonographic examination is the

most important prenatal diagnostic method in the uropoietic system. Urinary tract dilatation is the most common ultrasonographic finding. The

aetiology is varied. Postnatally, in addition to ultrasonographic evaluation to confirm or rule out the prenatal finding, other tests are performed

in order to refine the diagnosis (voiding cystourethrography, static / dynamic renal scintigraphy, urethrocystoscopy, lower urinary tract urodynamic

testing). For the patient, it is of major importance to determine the effect of the congenital defect on renal function, while considering

the diagnostic benefit of the methods of examination depending on their invasiveness and the associated radiation burden. Postnatally, the

individual tests must be performed in a time sequence with respect to the presumed severity of the defect. The outcome should be a decision

to indicate early treatment to protect renal function. Multidisciplinary collaboration is required for optimal diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords: ultrasonography examination, urinary dilatation, prenatal and postnatal diagnosis

Published: May 1, 2015  Show citation