Natural history of fetal renal pyelectasis

To follow the natural progression of fetal renal pyelectasis detected in the mid second trimester ultrasound in an unselected obstetric population.

Single-centered, retrospective study that included all level II ultrasounds done from Jan 2008 to Dec 2009. The initial level II ultrasound was done in the mid second trimester. The renal pyelectasis detected on the antenatal ultrasound (AUS) was classified as mild (5-7 mm), moderate (7.1-9 mm), or severe (>9.1 mm). Postnatal outcomes were classified as "Resolved", "Improving", or "Worsened".

Ninety-eight cases of fetal renal pyelectasis were detected. Sixteen patients were excluded. Of the remaining 82 cases of fetal pyelectasis, 32 (39%) were mild, 21 (25.6%) moderate, and 29 (35.4%) severe. In 74 (90.2%) infants, pyelectasis resolved, remained stable, or improved in the postnatal ultrasound. In eight (9.8%) infants, pyelectasis worsened.

Totally, 90.2% of pyelectasis detected on AUS resolved spontaneously, remained stable or improved. The magnitude of fetal renal pyelectasis did not correlate with postnatal outcome. All fetal renal pyelectasis ≥ 5 mm detected on the mid second trimester ultrasound should be followed antenatally. Those fetuses with persistent pyelectasis should be evaluated after birth and followed until resolution of pyelectasis or until a diagnosis is obtained.