Shields LBE, White JT, Peppas DS, Rosenberg E. Challenges in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Cloaca.
Glob Pediatr Health 2020;
7:2333794X20958929. [PMID:
33015248 PMCID:
PMC7517978 DOI:
10.1177/2333794x20958929]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Cloaca is a common excretory channel for the genital, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. It is considered a severe anorectal malformation caused by failed partitioning of the genital, rectal, and urinary tracts.
Methods:
We report 5 infants with cloaca at birth who were identified prenatally by one or more of the following on prenatal ultrasound (US): ambiguous genitalia, a cystic pelvic/abdominal mass, hydronephrosis, ascites, a single umbilical artery, and oligohydramnios.
Results:
A cystic pelvic/abdominal mass and ambiguous genitalia were each observed in 3 cases by prenatal US. Ambiguous genitalia was observed in all 5 neonates at birth. There were 2 twin pregnancies (dichorionic/diamniotic and monochorionic/monoamniotic), with only 1 twin in a set affected with cloaca.
Conclusion:
Pediatricians should be alert to the prenatal US findings that may raise suspicion of a persistent cloaca to improve both prenatal counseling and family preparation.
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