It is one of the most common finding which is seen in the ultrasound scan of children. It is the increase of AP diameter (APD) of Pelvis of kidney from the normal range for the age of the baby. It can be detected in one or both kidneys. Majority of cases are detected when an ultrasound scan is done for urine infection. Sometimes it is detected as incidental finding when a scan is done for abdominal pain for other reasons.
What is Antenatal Hydronephrosis / Pelviectasia?
It is detection of increased APD before birth during the routine anomaly or growth scans of baby during pregnancy. It needs to be followed regularly during pregnancy and subsequently needs immediate meeting with Pediatric Nephrologist to assess further and do root cause analysis.
What are the usual causes?
The common causes are Vesicoureteric reflux, Pelviureteric Junction obstruction, Vesicoureteric Junction obstruction in kids with both sexes. In males, Posterior Urethral valve is also a possibility. In certain cases, no pathological cause is identified after detailed evaluation and then it is considered physiological.
What problems can this condition lead to in children?
Most of the times this condition remains silent and doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, it can lead to urinary infections and if not treated can lead to progressive damage to kidneys. Rarely, large hydronephrosis can lead to pain and hypertension.
Does it require further evaluation and root cause analysis?
A detailed evaluation is mandatory to find the root cause and then choose the appropriate treatment modality. The scans and imaging are decided by Pediatric Nephrologist to find the exact reason.