Ultrasound Assessment of Renal pyelectasis in pregnancy and postpartum resolution

Abstract

Renal pyelectasis during pregnancy has been reported to be up to 80% to 90% and spontaneously regress within several weeks postpartum. Compression of the distal ureters by the gravid uterus can be responsible for pyelectasis, more severe at 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to produce sonographic data for renal pyelectasis in 28-weeks of pregnancy and 6- weeks postpartum resolution.

Material and method: A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken on pregnant women presenting for outpatient obstetric imaging during 1 December 2020 – 31 May 2021. For each side, the renal length and diameter of the renal pelvis were measured. Maternal age, gravidity, parity, and estimated fetal weight were recorded.

Result: A total of 41 women enrolled. At 28 weeks of pregnancy, right renal pelvis diameter on average were greater than the left side, being identified in 4.39 mm on the right and 2.78 mm on the left. At 6 weeks, postpartum had significantly renal pyelectasis resolution, 2.77 mm of left (Mean = 2.77, SD = 1.48 95%CI 2.29-3.23) and 2.17 mm of right (Mean = 2.17, SD = 1.62, 95%CI 1.66-2.69).

Conclusion: At 28 weeks of pregnancy, right renal pelvis diameter on average were greater than the left side. However, at 6 weeks, postpartum had significantly right and left renal pyelectasis resolution.