Prenatal diagnosis and management of abnormalities in the urologic system

Abnormalities of the urologic system are among the most commonly diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound examination. Overall, serious defects of the k idneys or bladder are seen in approximately 2 to 3 per 1000 pregnancies,(24 , 44) and over 2% of the fetuses have less grave diagnoses.(8) Urologic ano malies can be lethal because they can result in severe oligohydramnios and Potter's syndrome or be part of a lethal genetic syndrome. This article dis cusses the prenatal diagnosis and management of abnormalities in the urolog ic system. The normal embryology of the renal system and significant develo pmental abnormalities are highlighted. Next, the different causes and manif estations of urinary obstruction are outlined. Cystic renal disease is sepa rated into multicystic kidney disease and the inherited forms of polycystic kidney disease. Finally, the association of renal disease with genetic dis eases, syndromes, and chromosomal abnormalities is explained.