What Does Bilateral Renal Pelvis Dilatation in a Fetus Mean?

Update Date: 2024-05-28 Source: Network

After becoming pregnant, pregnant women need to regularly visit the hospital for checkups in order to monitor the development of the fetus. In case of any abnormalities detected in the fetus, doctors can intervene promptly. If during the examination, bilateral renal pelvis separation is discovered in the fetus, and if the separation distance is small, it is most likely physiological separation that can be restored with later development, and only requires regular follow-up exams.

What does bilateral renal pelvis separation mean? Bilateral renal pelvis separation (or bilateral renal collecting system separation) is a manifestation of fluid accumulation within the fetal kidneys. Generally, the accumulation does not exceed 1 centimeter and is considered physiological. It appears as an elliptical echo area located in the center of the kidney on a B-ultrasound. The detection of bilateral renal pelvis separation in fetal exams is mostly discovered through B-ultrasound, indicating the presence of fetal hydronephrosis or diseases of the urinary system. If the renal pelvis separation is within one centimeter, it is considered a possible physiological change, and there is no need for excessive concern. Only regular prenatal exams are required. If the renal pelvis separation is greater than one centimeter, it is recommended to consult a prenatal diagnosis center, and prenatal diagnosis may be necessary. After the birth of the fetus, a follow-up B-ultrasound exam of the infant's urinary system should be performed to assess the presence and severity of fetal hydronephrosis.

The reasons for bilateral renal pelvis separation can be diverse. Firstly, let's understand the concept of "remainder." The remainder is actually the point where the kidney and ureter connect. Under normal conditions, the separation of the remainder does not exceed one centimeter. In newly born infants, the separation of the remainder is considered normal when it is not greater than 1.6 centimeters, and it does not pose significant health concerns. Additionally, bilateral renal pelvis separation in fetuses can be categorized as mild or severe. When the remainder separation is less than or equal to 0.7 centimeters, it is considered mild, and when it is greater than or equal to one centimeter, it is considered severe. Mild cases can be surgically treated through intrauterine therapy or renal pelvisplasty after birth. Severe renal pelvis separation can be more complicated to treat.

Secondly, if excessive amniotic fluid in the pregnant woman is the cause of severe renal pelvis separation in the fetus, and there are also signs of physical malformations, termination of the pregnancy should be considered immediately, and induction of labor may be an option. However, most cases of renal pelvis separation in fetuses are due to physiological reasons, and the condition often resolves after birth with the passing of urine.