Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Prenatal diagnosis of congenital renal and urinary tract malformations

A. Hindryckx, L. de Catte

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Correspondence to: an.hindryckx@uzleuven.be

Keywords:

Prenatal ultrasound, CAKUT, antenatal hydronephrosis


Published online: Oct 05 2011

Abstract

Congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and the urinary tract are the most common sonographically identified malformations in the prenatal period. Obstructive uropathies account for the majority of cases. The aim of prenatal diagnosis and management is to detect those anomalies having impact on the prognosis of the affected child and requiring early postnatal evaluation or treatment to minimize adverse outcomes. In this paper, we summarize the embryology of kidneys and urinary tract, the normal sonographic appearance through- out pregnancy and the prenatal diagnosis of their congenital malformations.