RENAL DUPLICATION ANOMALIES IN THE FETUS - CLUES FOR PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS

Duplex kidneys ave one of the most common major congenital abnormaliti es of the urinary tract. The antenatal diagnosis of duplex kidney and its associated ureterocele is infrequent. We report on our experience with the prenatal diagnosis of duplex kidneys in seven fetuses over th e past 24 months. In all fetuses, the sagittal length of the duplex ki dney was above the 95th centile for gestational age. A 'cyst-like' str ucture in the upper pole of the duplex kidney and a ureterocele in the urinary bladder were present in all of the seven fetuses. An ipsilate ral dilated ureter was seen in six of seven fetuses. Postnatal confirm ation of renal duplication anomalies was obtained in all neonates. Inc reased familiarity of the prenatal sonographer with duplex kidney will allow for its antenatal diagnosis and thus early postnatal treatment.