Is Pelvocaliectasis Dangerous (2024)

FAQs

Is Pelvocaliectasis Dangerous? ›

If the obstruction is severe, the patient may need surgery. If the cause is a tumor, then chemotherapy or excision of the tumor may be required. Conclusion: Pelvocaliectasis is a condition that, if not treated in time, may prove to be fatal.

Pyelectasis, or pelviectasis, is when urine gathers in the center of the kidney, called the pelvis. This makes the kidney larger than normal. This condition can affect one or both kidneys. Pyelectasis/pelviectasis happens in about 1% of all pregnancies.

In the majority of cases, pelviectasis doesn't cause a significant negative impact on the baby. Most babies with pelviectasis are born healthy and continue to do well long term. In rare cases, pelviectasis can develop into severe hydronephrosis.

If the obstruction is not correctly treated it can cause a progressive deterioration of renal function.

Mild pyelectasis is considered present when the anterior posterior diameter (APD) of the renal pelvis measures at least 4 mm between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation, 5 mm between 20 and 30 weeks, and 7 mm between 30 and 40 weeks.

Pelvocaliectasis is a radiological term used for swollen kidneys with fluid, which is generally caused by obstructed urine in ureters. It is not a disease but a condition that can be reversed in many cases. One of the factors behind the condition is kidney stones.

Management and Treatment

In some instances, a pediatric urologist may perform a pyeloplasty — a surgical procedure that eliminates a blockage between the kidney and ureter. If pyelectasis or hydronephrosis becomes so severe that kidney damage is possible during pregnancy, then your provider may recommend fetal surgery.

Fetal pyelectasis or pelviectasis typically consists of a mild enlargement of the central area, or “pelvis,” of the kidney. (This is not to be confused with fetal hydronephrosis, which is an extreme ballooning of the kidney.)

When they occur, signs and symptoms of hydronephrosis might include: Pain in the side and back that may travel to the lower abdomen or groin. Urinary problems, such as pain with urination or feeling an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Nausea and vomiting.

Approximately 1 in every 40 pregnancies have pyelectasis, and this can be seen in one or both of the kidneys. Pyelectasis can be seen in any pregnancy, but is more common in boys.

What is the recurrence risk of pyelectasis? ›

Recurrence risk: Compared with normal fetuses, mothers with fetal pyelectasis in the first pregnancy have a relative risk of 6.1 to have a recurrence of this finding in their next pregnancy.

Hydronephrosis is a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as the result of a build-up of urine inside them. It can affect people of any age and is sometimes spotted in unborn babies during routine pregnancy ultrasound scans. This is known as antenatal hydronephrosis.

Pyelectasis is when a prenatal ultrasound detects extra fluid in unborn babies' kidneys. The condition often resolves itself before or shortly after birth.

Enlargement of the renal pelvis from 4 to 10 millimeters in diameter is called fetal pyelectasis or renal pelvic dilatation (RPD). Enlargement of the renal pelvis to greater than 10 mm is called severe pyelectasis or hydronephrosis.

In the case of mild pyelectasis, when only the renal pelvis with one or two calyces at most is visible, the need for postnatal assessment is less clear. RPAP cut-off levels varying from ≥ 5 mm at any stage in pregnancy10, 11 to ≥ 8 mm1 in the third trimester are recommended for referral for postnatal assessment.

Treatment for caliectasis kidney

For instance, if the health issues were a result of a urinary tract infection, antibiotics may suffice. Tumors and kidney stones may, however, require surgery. The doctor may also use nephrostomy tubes or catheters to drain urine.

Fetal pyelectasis or pelviectasis typically consists of a mild enlargement of the central area, or “pelvis,” of the kidney. (This is not to be confused with fetal hydronephrosis, which is an extreme ballooning of the kidney.)

The pelvicalyceal system consists of minor calyces, major calyces and the renal pelvis. Calyx is the cavity of the kidney, through which urine passes. The minor calyx is 7–13 in number and cup-shaped, surrounding the apex of renal pyramid (10).

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is when pee moves backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Normally, pee only flows from the kidneys down to the bladder.

The condition can increase your chances of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). In severe cases that are left untreated, the kidneys may become scarred, which could lead to loss of kidney function (kidney failure).