DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL RENAL ANOMALIES

Fetal urinary tract abnormalities occur relatively frequently. Ultraso nography is an effective diagnostic tool for identifying fetal urinary tract anomalies and can be helpful in establishing prognosis and guid ing treatment decision. The sonographer is encouraged to characterize and localize the fetal urinary tract abnormality when identified in or der to arrive at the correct prenatal diagnosis. This article describe s the pathogenesis, clinical course, and ultrasound findings of the mo st common fetal urinary tract abnormalities, including renal agenesis, renal ectopia, obstructive uropathies, renal cystic disease, and rena l tumors.