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When to Consider Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) at Peritnatal Autopsy

Description

Dissection of the distal genitourinary tract is challenging in the fetus or neonate autopsy. The presence of posterior urethral valves can be easily overlooked. The presence of certain findings should trigger the need for a more careful exam supplemented by imaging studies.


 

When to consider the possibility of PUV at fetal or neonatal autopsy:

(1) male gender

(2) oligohydramnios

(3) pulmonary hypoplasia

(4) pneumothorax (if liveborn)

(5) abdominal distention with urinoma

(6) distended bladder

(7) hydronephrosis and hydroureter

 

MRI or other imaging studies would be noninvasive and nondestructive. The use of contrast material injected into the bladder can be helpful.

 


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