Megacystis-megaureter syndrome

Megacystis-megaureter syndrome is a rare condition of the urinary tract that is present at birth. The name describes its two main features: 'megacystis' means an abnormally large bladder, and 'megaureter' means abnormally widened ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). In this condition, the bladder becomes very large and does not empty properly, and the ureters become dilated, sometimes massively so. This can lead to urine flowing backward from the bladder toward the kidneys (called vesicoureteral reflux) and can cause repeated urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and in severe cases, kidney failure. The condition is often detected before birth during routine prenatal ultrasound, which may show an enlarged bladder and dilated ureters in the developing baby. After birth, affected infants may have difficulty urinating, develop urinary tract infections, or show signs of poor kidney function. Boys are affected more often than girls. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be monitored closely with regular imaging and kidney function tests. More severe cases often require surgery to reduce the size of the bladder, reimplant the ureters, or relieve any obstruction. Antibiotics may be given to prevent urinary tract infections. In the most severe cases where kidney function is significantly impaired, dialysis or kidney transplantation may eventually be needed. Early diagnosis and management are important to preserve kidney function and prevent complications.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How severe is my child's condition, and how much are the kidneys affected right now?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, what type and when?,Does my child need to take daily antibiotics to prevent infections?,Will my child need to do catheterization, and how can we learn the proper technique?,How often will my child need follow-up imaging and blood tests?,What are the long-term risks for kidney function, and could my child eventually need dialysis or a transplant?,Should we consider genetic testing, and is there a chance this could happen again in future pregnancies?

Common questions about Megacystis-megaureter syndrome