Clinical challenges in the management of a prenatally diagnosed cloacal malformation

Abstract

Cloacal dysgenesis sequence is a severe malformation of the primitive cloaca and is characterized by a phallus-like structure, smooth perineum and the absence of genitourinary and anal orifices. It is usually accompanied by oligohydramnios, kidney dysplasia, and pulmonary hypoplasia. We present a case of a 29-year-old woman who was referred at 26weeks of gestation due to an enlarged fetal abdominal circumference. Investigations revealed the presence of fetal ascites, intrapelvic cysts, calcified meconium, severe oligohydramnios and a 46XX karyotype. Fetal abdominal parecentesis performed on several occasions failed to reduce intra-abdominal pressure. To our knowledge this case represents the first variation of cloacal dysgenesis sequence to contain three dysmorphic structures along with the common findings of this anomaly. © 2011 The Authors. Congenital Anomalies © 2011 Japanese Teratology Society.