Ultrasound Appearance of Congenital Kidneys Disease. Literature Review and Case Series

Background: Recent technological advances in ultrasound imaging offered the opportunity to detect much earlier an increasing number of fetal malformations. A correct diagnosis is essential for adequate counseling and management of the pregnancy. Methods: We review the published literature in regards to kidneys ultrasound features throughout pregnancy. The natural evolution, the management, the outcome and pathologic findings of various antenatal detectable kidney diseases are discussed. Results: The follow-up of these cases evolution suggests that the diagnosis of some malformations’ as multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) may be considered as early as late FT, if detailed scan is performed. Conclusions: Long time evolution of fetal kidney’s diseases was considered virtually impossible to predict early in pregnancy.