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Cloacal Malformation
Author(s) -
Winkler Nicole S.,
Kennedy Anne M.,
Woodward Paula J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2012.31.11.1843
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , prenatal diagnosis , lumbosacral joint , radiology , meconium , rectum , hydronephrosis , obstetrics , pregnancy , anatomy , surgery , fetus , urinary system , biology , genetics
Cloacal malformation is a rare but important anomaly. Prenatal diagnosis is possible with knowledge of the distinctive imaging features. The purpose of this case series is to illustrate characteristic prenatal sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging features of cloacal malformation using imaging from 6 cases seen at a single academic center to augment published data. The imaging feature common to all cases was a central cystic pelvic mass containing a characteristic fluid‐fluid level. Additional anomalies include uterine and vaginal duplication, hydronephrosis, and lumbosacral anomalies. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging showed the absence of the normal T1‐hyperintense meconium‐filled rectum in all cases. Prenatal diagnosis may affect immediate neonatal care (eg, immediate drainage of hydrocolpos) with an ultimate improved outcome.