Pathology
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Fetopathology and developmental pathology of the embryo and fetus
Marta Ježová, Josef Feit et al.
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Lower urinary tract obstruction
Classification
  • posterior urethral valves
  • urethral stenosis and atresia
  • prune belly syndrome
Etiology, pathogenesis
  • common consequence of the obstruction is dilation of the urinary tract above the occlusion (enlarged bladder, hydronephrosis)
  • the kidneys are commonly dysplastic, the cysts form predominantely beneath the renal capsule(Potter type IV).
  • the prognosis of these malformations depends on the presence and severity of oligohydramnion, lung hypoplasia and renal dysplasia.
Clinical signs

Prune belly syndromeis characterized by the trias: deficient abdominal wall musculature, cryptorchidism and urinary tract anomalies (megavesica, hydronephrosis, renal dysplasia). Smooth distended abdomen is seen in a fetus, flank abdomen with wrinkled redundant skin is seen in a newborn. Anatomic obstruction (urethral atresia, stenosis, kinking) can be identified in some cases. In the rest functional or transient obstruction is suspected. Prostatic maldevelopment is also typical. Prune belly syndrom was initially described in males only but similar phenotype can be seen in females with urethral agenesis.

Prune belly syndrom (72056)

Hydronephrosis (73046)