Voiding cysto-urethrography of complete urethral duplication in a child, a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Urethral duplication is a very uncommon congenital anomaly that predominantly affects males. This condition is distinguished by the presence of two urethras, which might be incomplete or complete. The diagnosis of urethral duplication is very important, and missing this diagnosis leads to the delayed surgical correction of patients. Voiding cysto-urethrography is an important diagnostic method to diagnose the urethral duplication that can provide a standard view for surgical operation and determine the type of duplication. Case presentation In the present study, we report a 5-year-old boy with complete urethral duplication diagnosed via voiding cysto-urethrography in our medical center. We reviewed the classification of this anomaly, indications of surgery, the importance of voiding cysto-urethrography, and the role of other imaging modalities to diagnose the urethral duplication. Conclusion For children with a double urinary stream, a complete genital examination and radiological assessment are required not only to diagnose urethral duplication but also to determine the kind of urethral duplication and rule out related anomalies. These findings guide surgeons in planning the best treatment for the patients to prevent future complications. Voiding cysto-urethrography is one of the most useful and beneficial procedures to diagnose the urethral duplication which can be used as a first imaging modality, especially when there are double functional urethras.