Prenatal diagnosis of renal dysplasia

Background: Aside from congenital anomalies of the urogenital tract, fetal renal tissue itself can be dysplastic. Prenatal ultrasound allows the diffe rential diagnosis of simple cysts, different degrees of renal dysplasia and agenesis of the kidneys. Materials and methods: This article focuses on the multifactorious complex of parenchymal renal disease. According to the classification of Potter Syn drome and cystic renal dysplasia/Potter Sequences I-IV, pathogenesis, prena tal diagnosis, pre- and postnatal treatment options and prognosis are discu ssed. Results and discussion: Concomitant absence of amniotic fluid frequently re futes diagnosis until artificial amniotic fluid infusion has been performed . Although intrauterine therapy is rarely possible, the frequent associatio n with other abnormalities and fetal syndromes may be of consequence. The s onographic appearance of parenchymal renal disease is heterogeneous, This i nconsistency has lead to different classifications. This study uses the "mo dified Potter Classification" of parenchymal disease in kidneys (Zerres), Bilateral renal agenesis Potter Syndrome Infantile polycystic kidney disease Potter Type I Adult polycystic kidney disease Potter Type III Multicystic kidney disease Potter Type II Cortical cystic kidney disease Potter Type IV Conclusion: Prognosis is variable, ranging from excellent to incurable.