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Late-presenting anterior urethral diverticula in boys can be missed. Specific radiographic techniques are crucial for diagnosis, differentiating them from other urinary tract conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Genitourinary Radiology
Background:
- Anterior urethral diverticula typically present in infancy with urinary obstruction.
- Late presentation in children can manifest as recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary dribbling.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to subtle or absent obstructive signs.
Abstract:
Most anterior urethral diverticula present in infancy with urinary obstruction or retention. When they present after infancy they do so with recurrent urinary tract infections or dribbling of urine. Three boys with late-presenting diverticula are described. Unless good oblique radiographs are specifically taken, with a fast flow, then the diagnostic arcuate filling defect of the proximal lip of the diverticulum can be missed. There may be few signs of obstruction. With diagnostic radiographs the urologist must be urged to repeat a negative cystoscopy. Diverticula must be differentiated from strictures or acquired diverticula following trauma.