Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
Published on: February 5, 2021
Persistent cloaca: a 10-year review of prenatal diagnosis
Jeffrey C Livingston1, Mehmet Elicevik, Lesley Breech
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA. livingstonj@ecu.edu
Insights
Diagnosing persistent cloaca before birth is challenging. Prenatal ultrasounds may show urinary tract anomalies, dilated bowel, or cystic pelvic masses, which can indicate persistent cloaca.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Persistent cloaca is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Accurate antenatal diagnosis is crucial for optimal infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review antenatal sonographic findings in infants with persistent cloaca.
- To identify common sonographic features and diagnostic challenges.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 145 infants with persistent cloaca.
- Analysis of prenatal records and imaging for 50 female infants meeting inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Antenatal anomalies were detected in 54% of cases.
- A correct antenatal diagnosis of persistent cloaca was made in only 6% of cases.
- Commonly misinterpreted findings included urinary tract anomalies, dilated bowel, and hydrocolpos.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal diagnosis of persistent cloaca is difficult.
- Consider persistent cloaca in the differential diagnosis for fetal urinary tract malformations, dilated bowel, or cystic pelvic masses.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to review antenatal sonographic findings in children born with persistent cloaca.
Methods:
Infants (n =145) with persistent cloaca followed at a center for colorectal congenital anomalies were identified by a retrospective chart review. Fifty female infants with a persistent cloaca met inclusion criteria and had prenatal records and imaging studies available for review. Sonographic data were retrospectively abstracted from charts.
Results:
Anomalies were detected in 27 of 50 cases (54%). A correct antenatal diagnosis of persistent cloaca occurred in 3 of 50 (6%). Common findings misinterpreted on antenatal sonography include urinary tract anomalies, dilated bowel, and a cystic pelvic mass (representing hydrocolpos).
Conclusions:
Antenatal diagnosis of persistent cloaca is difficult. Persistent cloaca should be considered in the differential diagnosis if urinary tract malformations, dilated bowel loops, or cystic pelvic masses are visualized by prenatal diagnosis.
