Background: Abnormalities of the urinary tract are found in up to 5% of newborns. They account for 25% of all prenatally diagnosed congenital defects and contribute 4% to perinatal mortality. When considering the prognosis of these anomalies, association with other pathological conditions has to be taken into account.
Materials and methods: We discuss the state of the art in detection and management of fetal urinary tract abnormalities as are standard at this tertiary center of fetal medicine.
Results and discussion: Posterior urethral valve, megaureter or ureteropelvic junction obstruction represent one end of a wide spectrum of obstructive uropathies, ranging from pathophysiologically minor deviations to severe impairment of renal function. Organ development, physiology of urine production and excretion as well as their potential disorders are presented.
Conclusion: Sonographic and invasive diagnostic options in the evaluation of the urogenital tract are discussed. Careful assessment of each individual case and prognosis determine pre- and postnatal treatment.