Anterior urethral valves: a rare cause of infravesical obstruction in children

Congenital anterior urethral valves and diverticula

AIMS OF STUDY

Anterior urethral valves (AUVs) are rare congenital anomalies causing lower urinary tract obstruction in children. The present study highlights the clinical approach in identifying the condition and its treatment options.

METHOD

Single centre, retrospective study of children.

RESULT

Over a 16 year duration, 14 children were diagnosed with AUVs and diverticula with a mean age of 15 months. Clinical features included straining at micturation and a palpable penile swelling. Diagnosis was confirmed with voiding cystourethrogram and cystoscopy. An open surgical procedure was performed in 12 cases and endoscopic intervention done in one. On follow up 13 patients showed restoration of a normal voiding stream and normal renal function. One child died of chronic renal failure due to a delayed presentation, severe back-pressure changes, urinary ascites, and urosepsis. One patient developed a small urethrocutaneous fistula that healed spontaneously.

CONCLUSION

AUV, though rare, should be recognizable due to the combination of a poor urinary stream and visible swelling in the ventral aspect of penis. Open surgical excision is the method of choice, and the outcome is excellent.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Are anterior urethral valve and anterior urethral diverticulum two separate entities: A radiological and endoscopic review

BACKGROUND

Anterior urethral valve (AUV) and anterior urethral diverticulum (AUD) are two rare causes of anterior urethral obstruction with variable presentation and anatomy. Their existence as the same or different entity is still debatable, and management has not yet been standardized.

OBJECTIVE

This study is a retrospective review of cases diagnosed with anterior urethral obstruction and correlation of radiological and endoscopic anatomy of AUV and AUD.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of cases diagnosed with AUV and AUD, between May 2013 and February 2020 is presented. The presentation, laboratory, radiological and endoscopic anatomy along with the management required was reviewed. A special emphasis has been given on the correlation of radiological and endoscopic anatomy and an attempt has been made to standardize the management.

RESULTS

A total of 8 patients with age ranging from 2 months to 9 years were reviewed. Poor urinary stream and recurrent UTI was the commonest presentation. The anatomy of the anterior urethra on VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram) and Urethrocystoscopy was correlated. Two sets of patients were identified. In the first set, five cases on endoscopy had findings of the classical valve-like fold in the anterior urethra with immediate proximal dilation of the urethra giving the appearance of a 'pseudodiverticula' without any definite opening. In three of these cases, endoscopic findings correlated well with radiological findings of 'pseudodiverticula' in which dilated proximal urethra formed an obtuse angle with the ventral floor of the urethra. The other set of four patients had a 'true diverticula' on endoscopy with a well-defined mouth and prominent distal lip, correlating well with radiological findings of a 'true diverticula' forming an acute angle with the ventral floor of the urethra. One case on endoscopy had both an anterior urethral valve with a proximal 'pseudodiverticula and a large wide-mouthed bulbar 'true diverticula'. All the patients with classical valves were successfully treated using a resectoscope while two patients with 'true diverticula' were successfully managed by incising the distal lip. One of the patients previously managed for the posterior urethral valve (PUV) had both classical valves in the anterior urethra with proximal 'pseudodiverticula' and a bulbar 'true diverticula'. The AUV was ablated with a resectoscope while 'true diverticula' required diverticulectomy. All the patients after follow up of 3 months-8 years, were asymptomatic except the one with 'true diverticulum' who remained symptomatic after TUR (Trans-urethral resection) and required vesicostomy.

DISCUSSION

AUV and AUD both can cause obstructive uropathy. The proximal dilatation related to AUV cannot be labeled as a 'true diverticula', which lacks a classical orifice. The distal obstructing lip of 'true diverticula' should not be confused with a classical mucosal valve-like fold seen in AUV. While AUV and small AUD can be treated with endoscopic ablation, large diverticula as a result of wide spongiosal defects require surgical excision. A good understanding of their radiological and endoscopic anatomy is required to differentiate them and decide for appropriate management.

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience, AUV and AUD should be differentiated and should be considered as two separate entities.

Anterior Urethral Valve: A Rare But an Important Cause of Infravesical Urinary Tract Obstruction

Background

Urethral valves are infravesical congenital anomalies, with the posterior urethral valve (PUV) being the most prevalent one. Anterior urethral valve (AUV) is a rare but a well-known congenital anomaly. AUV and diverticula can cause severe obstruction, whose repercussions on the proximal urinary system can be important. Few cases have been described; both separately and in association with urethral diverticulum. The presentation of such a rare but important case led us to a report with highlighting its classic imaging features.

Case Report

We present a case report of AUV with lower urinary tract symptoms in a 6-year-old boy with complaints of a poor stream of urine and strain to void. Unique findings were seen on Retrograde Urethrography (RGU) and Voiding Cysto-Urethrography (VCUG), i.e. linear incomplete filling defect in the penile urethra and associated mild dilatation of the anterior urethra ending in a smooth bulge. On cysto-urethroscopy the anterior urethral valve was confirmed and fulguration was done.

Conclusions

Congenital anterior urethral valve is an uncommon but important cause of infravesical lower urinary tract obstruction that is more common in male urethra. It can occur as an isolated AUV or in association with diverticulum and VATER anomalies. Early diagnosis and management of this rare condition is very important to prevent further damage, infection and vesicoureteral reflux. AUV may be associated with other congenital anomalies of the urinary system; therefore a full evaluation of the urinary system is essential.

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula at the penoscrotal junction with proximal penile megalourethra: A case report

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula and megalourethra are both rare anomalies. These anomalies are commonly associated with other anorectal or genitourinary anomalies and evaluated with voiding cystourethrography. We examined a 34-month-old boy who presented with a fistula at the penoscrotal junction. A voiding cystourethrogram showed a jet of urine coming through the fistula and proximal saccular dilatation of the penile urethra. We present the imaging findings of the first case of an association between a congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula at the penoscrotal junction and a proximal penile megalourethra. We also discuss the etiology, management, and differential diagnosis of this entity, and review the literature.

Congenital anterior urethral valve with or without diverticulum: a single-centre experience

INTRODUCTION

Congenital anterior urethral valves (AUV) are rare and can occur as an isolated entity or in association with proximal diverticula. Diagnosis may be overlooked and ideal treatment is not standardized when both the valve and diverticulum are simultaneously present. We present our experience of congenital AUV.

MATERIAL & METHODS

From January 2007 to June 2012 a retrospective review of the medical records of 7 cases of AUV was performed.

RESULTS

Three patients were diagnosed as isolated AUV while four presented with associated diverticula. The age of presentation ranged from 10 months to 6 years. Weak voiding stream and dribbling were the most common symptoms. Renal function was found to be deranged in two patients (28%). Hydro-ureteronephrosis was present in three boys (42%) and reflux was present in one patient. Post-void residual volume was >20 ml (mean 55 ml) in all children. Transurethral holmium laser fulguration was carried out on isolated AUV or AUV with small diverticula. Open resection and reconstruction or plication was performed in patients with AUV and proximal large (>3 cm) diverticula. Surgical outcome was successful in all patients except for occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In isolated AUV or valve with associated small diverticulum, transurethral holmium:YAG laser ablation is the treatment of choice. Primary excision and repair or plication are preferred if a large diverticula has formed. Eventual outcomes of AUV are good if irreversible changes have not been established.

Genitourinary imaging: part 1, congenital urinary anomalies and their management

OBJECTIVE

Congenital urinary anomalies may be symptomatic or encountered during imaging for other clinical indications. The array of abnormalities is related to the embryologic stage at the time of the developmental insult, and these abnormalities result in a spectrum of conditions ranging from insignificant to incompatible with life.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the implications of common congenital urinary anomalies is the key to detecting associated anomalies, initiating therapy, and avoiding both complications and unnecessary intervention.

Anterior urethral valve and diverticulum in a neonate with febrile urinary tract infection

Anterior urethral valve is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause obstructive uropathy. Herein, we report a case of an anterior urethral valve that led to the development of febrile urinary tract infection in a neonate.

Anterior urethral valves and diverticulum

Anterior urethral valves with associated urethral diverticulum is a rare but important cause of infravesical obstructive uropathy in children. This condition can be a cause of significant morbidity and can even lead to end-stage renal disease. This rare condition should be included in the differential diagnosis while evaluating male infants with infravesical obstructive uropathy.

Anterior urethral valves in children: an uncommon multipathogenic cause of obstructive uropathy

INTRODUCTION

Anterior urethral valves (AUVs) are uncommon congenital anomalies causing urethral obstruction in boys.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 13 children were reviewed retrospectively. Each patient (pt) was evaluated with voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG) and renal ultrasonography. Pts older than 5 years performed an uroflowmetry. Serum creatine was determined in all children.

RESULTS

All pts had difficulty in voiding and eight had recurrent urinary tract infection. Renal function was normal in all pts. VCUG showed filling of Cowper's duct in a pt. In a case, a vesicoureteral reflux was discovered. Uroflowmetry showed a flat trace in all cases. Transurethral endoscopic resection of the valves was carried out in 11 children while open resection was necessary in two children. At serial follow-up, all pts remain symptom-free and uroflowmetry documented regular pattern.

DISCUSSION

Anterior urethral valves are rare lesions that may create problems at different stages. Some AUVs may result from the obstruction distal lip of a ruptured syringocele. Improvements in endoscopic equipment allow for minimally invasive transurethral resection. Large diverticula are best managed with open diverticulectomy and reconstruction. In newborns with severe altered urinary tract drainage, particularly in low birth-weight infant, a vesicostomy may be necessary.

Anterior urethral valves: an uncommon cause of obstructive uropathy in children

PURPOSE

Anterior urethral valves (AUV) are rare entities generally described in case reports. They are an uncommon cause of lower urinary tract obstruction in children and can be difficult to diagnose. In the present study, we present our experience in four children with AUV along with a literature review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified four children with AUV presented between 1998 and 2005 at age 4-9 years.

RESULTS

Hematuria, urinary tract infection and weak voiding stream were the most common symptoms. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) confirmed the diagnosis of AUV. On cystourethroscopy, cusp-like valves in the anterior urethra were seen in all children. Transurethral endoscopic resection of the valves was carried out in three children using a pediatric resectoscope. In one child with a massive anterior urethral diverticulum, open resection of the valve, diverticulectomy and urethroplasty were performed. All patients were cured, none had complications as a result of surgery, and all reported a normal urinary stream at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with poor stream and recurrent infections should be evaluated carefully and anterior urethral valves should be considered in differential diagnosis of obstructive lesions.

Congenital anomalies of the male urethra

The spectrum of congenital anomalies of the male urethra is presented. The embryologic basis of each anomaly, when known, is discussed. Clinical and imaging features of each entity are presented.

Urodynamic changes in patients with anterior urethral valves: before and after endoscopic valve ablation

PURPOSE

To retrospectively review a series of children with anterior urethral valves (AUV), with emphasis on patterns of urodynamic change and long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of eight patients who had undergone thorough radiological and urodynamic exams before and after treatment. The diagnosis of AUV was based on radiological imaging and confirmed by urethrocystoscopy. The valves were ablated through either transurethral fulguration or resection. The upper urinary tracts were studied by renal scan and ultrasonography before and after the procedure. Bladder function was assessed urodynamically 3 months after surgery. Uroflowmetry was performed as soon as the children were toilet trained.

RESULTS

Endoscopic ablation of AUV was successful in all cases and no surgical complications occurred. The initial symptoms resolved in all boys. VUR disappeared in two out of three patients, and five children had bladder trabeculation that was resolved after surgery. The final outcome was successful in seven patients (88%). The major urodynamic dysfunction was bladder hypercontractility that resolved following valve ablation. The mean maximum voiding detrusor pressure (P(detmax)) decreased from 213.2+/-17.9 cmH(2)O to 80.7+/-9.9 cmH(2)O, 6 months after treatment (P<0.001). None of the patients had low-compliant bladder, detrusor instability or myogenic failure. The voiding pattern in all toilet-trained patients was staccato and of an interrupted shape prior to surgery, but changed to a normal bell-shaped voiding pattern following valve ablation.

CONCLUSION

AUV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with infravesical obstruction. We recommend endoscopic valve ablation as the treatment of choice.

Spontaneous resolution of prenatal megalourethra

Urethral obstruction in the fetus is rare. Whereas proximal obstruction most often is caused by posterior urethral valves, causes of distal obstruction are less well recognized and can include urethral atresia, urethral webs, and anterior urethral valves. These latter abnormalities can lead to urinary retention, incontinence, enuresis, spontaneous bladder rupture, and megacystis. The authors present 3 fetuses (gestational age range, 18 to 20 weeks) in whom distal urethral obstruction was suspected by prenatal ultrasonography in the absence of a demonstrable lesion. All 3 experienced spontaneous resolution of the presumed obstruction. On follow-up, all are alive and well with no adverse genitourinary tract sequelae. No postpartum intervention was required.

Anomalies of the distal ureter, bladder, and urethra in children: embryologic, radiologic, and pathologic features

Congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract are a significant cause of morbidity in infancy. Radiologic investigation is an important source of clinical information in lower urinary tract disorders but should not inconvenience the patient, expose the patient to unnecessary radiation, or delay surgical correction. In pediatric patients with suspected underlying urologic structural anomalies, screening ultrasonography is commonly the initial diagnostic study. If dilatation of the urinary tract is confirmed, voiding cystourethrography is performed to determine the presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and other causes of upper tract dilatation. If VUR is confirmed, follow-up with nuclear cystography or echo-enhanced cystosonography may be performed. If VUR is excluded, nuclear diuresis renography is the primary test for differentiating between obstructed and nonobstructed megaureter. Intravenous urography can be used to specifically identify an area of obstruction and to determine the presence of duplex collecting systems and a ureterocele. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are unsuitable for general screening but provide superb anatomic detail and added diagnostic specificity. MR imaging is mandatory in the evaluation of associated spinal anomalies. MR urography can demonstrate ectopic extravesical ureteric insertions, thereby providing a global view of the malformation. Familiarity with anomalies of the lower urinary tract is essential for correct diagnosis and appropriate management.