Advanced
Technical
IVT
posterior urethral valves
Also written as: PUV — posterior urethral valves
Congenital urethral membrane obstruction in male fetuses causing severe urinary tract dilation and oligohydramnios.
Full Definition
A congenital anomaly affecting male fetuses where abnormal membranous folds in the posterior urethra create obstruction to normal urine flow. This condition leads to severe bladder distension, bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, renal dysplasia, and oligohydramnios with associated pulmonary hypoplasia. Fetal intervention may include vesicoamniotic shunting or serial amnioinfusion to improve outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PUV in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Fetal posterior urethral valves were diagnosed at 20 weeks with severe oligohydramnios." — Prenatal diagnosis report
- "The severity of posterior urethral valves warranted discussion of fetal intervention options." — Maternal-fetal medicine consultation
Also known as
PUV
Don't confuse with
urethral atresia
bladder outlet obstruction