Spectrum of unrecognized posterior urethral valves in the adult

The spectrum of symptoms and findings associated with posterior urethral valves can vary and mimic other conditions. Three cases of congenital posterior urethral valves in adult males are presented. Two patients were on dialysis with end-stage renal failure at the time of diagnosis after many earlier urologic evaluations. One patient subsequently received two cadaver renal transplants. The remaining patient presented with typical symptoms of prostatitis and was found to have posterior valves with a dilated posterior urethra and intraprostatic reflux on voiding cystourethrography.