Prenatal diagnosis of fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney in the era of three-dimensional ultrasound: 10-year experience

Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) disease. Methods: In our previous study, we demonstrated that using 3D ultrasound in conjunction with traditional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound can facilitate the diagnosis of MCDK. In this study, we followed all the MCDK cases diagnosed in our center in the recent decade (from 2002 to 2011) and compared the results with the data collected in the prior decade (from 1995 to 2002). Results: Between 2002 and 2011, a total of 39 cases with fetal MCDK diagnosed by 2D and 3D ultrasound were retrospectively analyzed. The average gestational age when the diagnosis of MCDK was made was 23.6 weeks of gestation (95% confidence interval: 22.09-25.09). The Pearson chi-square test revealed a borderline nonsignificant difference statistically in the categorized gestational age at diagnosis (p = 0.052) as compared to the gestational age in the prior study. The average amniotic fluid index in fetuses with unilateral and bilateral MCDK was 16.76 ± 3.34 and 4.78 ± 5.82, respectively (p < 0.001). MCDK was not found to be associated with gestational age or chromosomal anomalies in our study. Conclusion: The surface-rendering mode of 3D ultrasound is very useful in prenatal diagnosis and counseling for MCDK.