title: [Natural history of fetal pyelocaliectasia].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is estimated that genitourinary anomalies comprise 20% of all antenatally detected fetal anomalies, and pyelocaliectasia is the most common one. Detection of antenatal dilatation of the urinary tract does not always indicate postnatal urinary tract obstruction or even a significant genitourinary anomaly. Most cases will improve spontaneously, representing a temporary physiologic impedence and do not require surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a two-year period we studied 197 newborns, with prenatal pyelocaliectasia, without concomitant anomaly, delivered at Maternidade Dr. Daniel de Matos. In the postnatal follow-up period, the infants were followed at Pediatrics Department, at our Center.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A male predilection was found. Ultrasonic follow-up of the 197 infants showed that pyelocaliectasia resolved in 97%, while 3% still presented it in the postnatal ultrasound. Complementary renal evaluation, with voiding cystourethrography and radionuclide imaging, was realised in 29 (15%) infants to further characterize the abnormality detected in postnatal ultrasound. Surgery was performed in four (2%) children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prenatally diagnosed pyelocaliectasia may be safely observed, and surgical correction should be performed only if renal compromise occurs.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Obstetrícia e de Neonatalogia, Maternidade Dr. Daniel de Matos, Coimbra.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Antunes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morais
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Barros
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007670:Kidney Calices; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D007682:Kidney Pelvis; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal