Transient urinary ascites after vesicocentesis observed in a fetus with megacystis caused by posterior urethral valve.
BACKGROUND
Fetal urinary ascites is a condition that is rarely encountered. A review of previous reports suggests that the clinical course of the affected fetuses is highly variable.


METHODS
In this report, we describe a case in which urinary ascites was observed after vesicocentesis in a fetus with megacystis caused by posterior urethral valve.


RESULTS
The urinary ascites was transient, and the fetal outcome was good after a successful vesicoamniotic shunting operation.


CONCLUSIONS
In utero bladder rupture or injury and the subsequent appearance of urinary ascites may be well tolerated by the fetus. Further, spontaneous resolution can be expected during fetal life; therefore, it appears to be preferable to opt for conservative management in fetuses with urinary ascites. Urinary ascites, particularly after vesicocentesis, should be observed with extreme caution.
Hidaka
Nobuhiro
N
Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan. n-hidaka@kpa.biglobe.ne.jp
Chiba
Yoshihide
Y
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014521:Urethra / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology