Fetal urinary ascites due to posterior urethral valve: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary peritonitis is a rare event that can occur most often in congenital malformation of posterior urethral valves (PUVs) due to bladder rupture or upper urinary tract. This malformation is most common in male newborns. The prognosis depends on the degree of oligohydramnios and precocity of installation with which posterior urethral valve is always associated. It is a factor that affects significantly the intrauterine development of the lungs and the severity of kidney impairment. Nowadays, diagnosis is prenatally possible, which leads to early intrauterine treatment with urinary decongestion, thus prognosis is significantly improved. Case Report: In this paper we talk about the case of a male fetus with posterior urethral valve manifested as fetal ascites after rupture of the urinary bladder wall giving rise to urinary peritonitis. Conclusion: The ultrasound diagnosis of fetal ascites is relatively easy; however, some images may incorrectly lead to the diagnosis of fetal ascites that’s why it is important to know them as well as the different etiologies.