Posterior urethral valves (PUVs): prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and management difficulties: a review of three cases

Abstract Objectives Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) has different etiologies. The most common form is posterior urethral valve (PUVs). It is a condition that can lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD) in later life and severe renal and pulmonary damage in utero. Those born alive may end up with residual kidney disease leading to life long morbidity or death. This condition can be diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound but because diagnosis is done late when kidney injury has already happened it does not guarantee healthy survival after birth. There are various treatments in utero and after birth but they all have their complications. In developing countries diagnosis is possible but in most cases pregnant women with fetuses with PUVs present very late in pregnancy. In utero interventions are in most cases not possible and the only way out is expectant management with serial ultrasound assessment until the fetus has achieved level of maturity at which time it is delivered and further postnatal evaluations and treatment given. This series is aimed at highlighting the prenatal ultrasound features of PUVs and the management challenges faced by physicians in developing countries. Case presentation The three cases were managed in three different hospitals. All the cases presented at different gestational ages and different levels of fetal affectation. Because of these, outcomes of management and prognosis of each case differ. Conclusions Fetal PUVs pose specific challenges in management because of late presentation and lack of resource for intervention even where cases present early with minimal renal damage.