[Natural history of fetal pyelocaliectasia].
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.
Franco
Sofia
S
Serviço de Obstetrícia e de Neonatalogia, Maternidade Dr. Daniel de Matos, Coimbra.
Carvalho
G
G
Antunes
A
A
Brito
M
M
Morais
C
C
Barros
J S
JS
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