PATENT URACHUS

The urachus is a tubular structure that usually involutes before birth. It is known as the median umbilical ligament in postnatal life. During fetal life, the urachus is patent and connects the urogenital sinus (the primitive bladder) to the allantois (umbilicus). The urachus is located behind the abdominal wall and anterior to the peritoneum in the space of Retzius.

Patent urachus is a rare condition characterized by communication between the fetal bladder and the umbilical cord via the allantois.

• Incidence = 1-2 per 100,000 deliveries (1).
• Male:Female = 2:1 (2).

• Pathogenesis
• Spectrum of Malformations
• Ultrasound
• Complications

REFERENCES

1. Persutte WH, Lenke RR, Krop K et.al. Antenatal diagnosis of fetal patent urachus. J Ultrasound Med 1988;7:399.
2. Nix JT, Menville JG, Albert M et.al. Congenital patent urachus. J Urol 1958;79:264.