Monday, April 23, 2012

Image Quiz

The answer is that the micturating cysto–urethrogram (MCUG) shows evidence of posterior urethral valves (PUV) and a diverticulum in the bulbous urethra 

The Question:
The image is a micturating cysto–urethrogram (MCUG) performed (see picture) in an 18–month–old boy who presented with problems of urinary dribbling since birth, with fever, dysuria, straining on micturition and a lower abdominal mass. He had never passed urine with a normal stream. A physical examination revealed a distended bladder and normal genitalia. His serum urea level was 0.85 g/L (normal range 0.05–0.4 g/L) and creatinine level 27 mg/L (normal range 5–15 mg/L).  Source: Dr. M. Zia–Ul–Miraj, Lahore Pakistan. BJU International 2000 

Explanation
  • PUV are the most common structural cause of urinary outflow obstruction in pediatric practice
  • The most common type of obstructive uropathy leading to childhood renal failure  
    • 1 of every 5000 to 8000 male births
    • 10% of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis
    • 1 PUV in 1250 fetal ultrasound
  • The etiology is not clear
  • Children with PUV may demonstrate gradual loss of renal function over time
  • The causes of renal insufficiency include:
    • Renal parenchymal dysplasia
    • Incomplete relief of obstruction
    • Injury from a UTI
    • HTN
    • Progressive glomerulosclerosis from hyperfiltration
    • Obstruction
  • ESRD occurs in 25%-40%
    • 1/3 soon after birth
    • 2/3 during late teenager