Urinary ascites can be
diagnosed in the fetus or in the newborn period.
Ascites is commonly
caused by urinary extravasation resulting from
urinary tract
obstruction or trauma. Sahdev et al., in 1997, reported
that extravasation of
urine occurred most commonly as a result of
forniceal rupture in
the kidney. Some authors believe that extravasation of urine is a protective
mechanism, decreasing the amount of
damage to the kidneys
from obstruction. Bladder perforation as
a result of umbilical
artery catheterization can also lead to urinary ascites. The diagnosis can be
made by ultrasonography and VCUG in most cases, and the bladder should be
surgically repaired.
