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Postnatal imaging of neonates with prenatally diagnosed genitourinary abnormalities: a practical approach

  • Advances in Fetal and Neonatal Imaging
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Abstract

The advent of prenatal US and, more recently, fetal MRI has changed our pattern of referrals. In the current clinical algorithms, most neonates evaluated for genitourinary abnormalities are asymptomatic. These infants are referred for multidisciplinary consultation, imaging and surveillance. Evaluation of these children commences following pertinent review of available prenatal studies; this is appropriate, as in certain instances prenatally gathered information of potential prognostic significance can be inferred or can obviate the need for multiple examinations. US remains the first-line imaging modality for diagnosing urinary abnormalities in neonates and young infants, although it offers primarily morphological assessment. However, US coupled with MAG-3 scanning results in a powerful combination that provides anatomical and functional information. Recently, MRI and MR urography have been increasingly regarded as one-stop-shop examinations that can deliver both anatomical and functional information, and play an increasing role in the evaluation of ureteral ectopia and genital anomalies. Fluoroscopic examinations are reserved to exclude vesicoureteral reflux, to delineate urethral obstruction or to provide additional information to support a diagnosis. A practical approach to postnatal imaging of the neonate is discussed and the important genitourinary anomalies in this age group are presented and illustrated.

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Disclaimer

The supplement this article is part of is not sponsored by industry. Dr. Epelman, Dr. Victoria, Dr. Meyers, Dr. Chauvin, Dr. Servaes and Dr. Darge have no financial interest, investigational or off-label uses to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Monica Epelman

  2. Department of Radiology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Monica Epelman, Teresa Victoria, Nancy Chauvin, Sabah Servaes & Kassa Darge

  3. Division of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Kevin E. Meyers

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  1. Monica Epelman
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  2. Teresa Victoria
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  3. Kevin E. Meyers
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Correspondence to Monica Epelman.

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Epelman, M., Victoria, T., Meyers, K.E. et al. Postnatal imaging of neonates with prenatally diagnosed genitourinary abnormalities: a practical approach. Pediatr Radiol 42 (Suppl 1), 124–141 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-011-2177-1

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