What causes dilation of the ureter?
Based on the laboratory investigations and sonography, the cause of ureteral dilatation was identified in 9 out of 18 (50%) cases. Ureteral dilatation was attributed to urinary tract infection in 6 cases (pus cells on urine microscopy: 3 cases; positive urine culture: 3 cases) and urinary tract tuberculosis in 3 cases.
What does a dilated kidney mean in a fetus?
Hydronephrosis is dilation of the kidney, specifically the renal pelvis (place where urine is stored after its production). This can be the result of an anatomic abnormality in the urinary tract or can be a variant of normal.
Does the urethra dilate during pregnancy?
The few cases seen in early pregnancy show that dilatation of the urinary tract is uncommon, or at least mild, before mid term. Shortly thereafter, however, dilatation appears abruptly and remains virtually unchanged both in incidence and degree until full term.
Why do ureters dilate in pregnancy?
[2] The renal pelvises and calyceal systems are dilated because of smooth muscle relaxing effect of progesterone and also mechanical compression of the ureters by the enlarged gravid uterus at the pelvic brim.
What happen if ureter is dilated?
In most cases of urinary tract dilation, the abnormal buildup of urine occurs in the renal pelvis. But the urine can get blocked further down the urinary tract as well, causing the ureters, bladder, or urethra to swell.
What happens if ureter is dilated?
Why do babies get hydronephrosis?
What causes hydronephrosis in children? Hydronephrosis can be caused by blockage at some part of the urinary tract or by reflux of urine (abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder). It can also be due to the abnormal development or formation of the kidney in the absence of obstruction or reflux.
Is the cause of urinary tract dilation unknown?
As with most birth defects, the cause of urinary tract dilation is unknown. The condition appears to run in some families, so it’s not unusual for a parent, sibling, or cousin to have had urinary tract dilation or some other kidney issue in childhood.
What happens to amniotic fluid during urinary tract dilation?
The amniotic fluid plays an essential role in the baby’s development, particularly lung development. In most cases of urinary tract dilation, the abnormal buildup of urine occurs in the renal pelvis. But the urine can get blocked further down the urinary tract as well, causing the ureters, bladder, or urethra to swell.
Can a baby with urinary tract dilation have surgery?
Most babies with urinary tract dilation have an excellent prognosis. Usually, the urinary tract dilation resolves on its own completely after birth. In cases where the condition is due to a structural blockage, surgery can often fix the problem.
When to see urinary tract dilation during pregnancy?
Urinary tract dilation is diagnosed by ultrasound. In most cases, mild dilation (swelling) of the kidney is seen on the ultrasound routinely done at the 20th week of pregnancy.