Fetal Kidney Dilation

We had really good news today. Max’s right kidney RPD (Renal Pelvic Dilation) measurement was 5.8mm. This means that the ultrasound finding is defined as the slightest mild classification   of  Fetal Kidney Dilation or Hydronephrosis.  Hydronephrosis is not a diagnosis it is an image finding, but it is important to monitor if it continues to show up after birth. In short, it is a non-life threatening condition found in 1.4% of fetal ultrasounds.  Most of these cases resolve on their own and half do not show up on the postnatal ultrasound.  From everything I have read in the past 3 days, the fetal kidney tissue is very elastic and may fluctuate in size. If dilation is noticed on a routine ultrasound, it may become necessary to have regular ultrasounds in order to monitor. Apparrently, the ultrasound technician noted that Max’s right kidney “looked dilated” on the ultrasound we did Friday am. She measured it at 10 mm, which is on the high end of the mild classification, bordering on moderate. Because this was just a general ultrasound not begin done by a specialist,  our OB, Dr. Carr, recommended another look.  Today, Dr. Dungy-Poythress,  of the Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic told us that “I wouldn’t have even brought it up, if it looked like this on the original ultrasound” and told us there is no cause for concern and that they do not need to see us prior to delivery. We are also being referred to Dr. Rink who works out of Riley Hospital for any follow up that we may need. He’s one of the top Docs on the planet in this field and, if you are interested, you can read his 56 page CV here. 

We received word at 10 minutes til 5 o’clock Friday that the the ultrasound done that morning had revealed dilation in one kidney, but had no more information to go on until our appointment today. We were concerned, of course, and Charity was her usually calm self. I could only abate my fears by poring over medical journals all weekend. I know way more now about kidney function than I ever thought I would.

Good Resources Here:

Children’s Hospital Boston: Hydronephrosis

http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1117/mainpageS1117P0.html

Prenatal Hydronephrosis:
A Proposal for Postnatal Study & Follow-Up

http://www.medicc.org/publications/medicc_review/0605/cuban-medical-literature.html

Cornell University Pediatric Urology / Prenatal hydronephrosis

http://www.cornellurology.com/pediatrics/prenatal.shtml

Texas Center for Maternal & Fetal Treatment

http://www.texasfetalcenter.com/treatments/urinary-tract-obstruction.html

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital

http://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/conditions/hydronephrosis/