[Ultrasonographic findings in "Potter's syndrome" (author's transl)]

The foetal Potter's syndrome represents a relatively frequent malformation syndrome, the incidence being 0.3% of all live births. The phenotypical changes seen in these newborn occur in complete bilateral renal agenesia = the original Potter's syndrome, but they are also found in various congenital cystic diseases of the kidneys and/or the other urinary organs. In additional to the original Potter's syndrome, a patho-anatomical classification of cystic deformations of the kidneys or of the efferent urinary organs was introduced by Osathanondh and Potter (1976) (Potter Type I-Type IV). These severe foetal malformations can be diagnosed at least in part via timely ultrasonic examination during the first half of the pregnancy period. In such cases, an oligoamnion or sometimes an anhydramnion is regularly observed as principal sign. This diagnosis is probably confirmed if the foetal urinary bladder is not demonstrable following application of furosemide (Campbell). Occasionally the cystic changes of the urinary organs can be proven direct by means of sonography. Ten examples of cases are described presenting the typical ultrasonographic findings in the so-called extended "Potter's syndrome" (oligoamnion or anhydramnion, malformations of the kidneys and/or the efferent urinary organs and phenotypical changes). Due to their infaust prognosis these foetal diseases result in the indication for termination of pregnancy.