Prenatal ascertainment of OEIS complex/cloacal exstrophy—15 new cases and literature review

Cloacal Exstrophy Closure Without Osteotomy and Immobilization: A Recipe for Failure

BACKGROUND

Cloacal exstrophy (CE) remains one of the most severe birth defects compatible with life with a constellation of anomalies involving the bladder, genitalia, hindgut, and spinal cord. Pelvic osteotomy and immobilization have been utilized to facilitate bladder closure, yet their role as adjuncts remains a topic of debate. The authors sought to evaluate the outcomes of CE closure without the use of osteotomy or lower extremity (LE)/pelvic immobilization.

METHODS

An institutional database of 173 CE patients was reviewed for patients closed without osteotomy and/or limb immobilization. Patient records were reviewed for continence procedures, reclosure operations, and continence outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 59 closure surgeries that met inclusion criteria were identified in 56 unique patients. Thirty-seven closure procedures developed eventual failure (63%) with secondary closure events also resulting in failure. Most closures did not use an osteotomy, 93.2%. LE immobilization-only was used in most closures (43/59), of which only 37% were successful. Failures were attributed to dehiscence (14/37), bladder prolapse (19/37), or both dehiscence and prolapse (4/37). The median age at closure was 3 days old (1-18.5 IQR) with the majority of closure events (47) closure events taking place in the newborn period. Median diastasis prior to primary closure was 6 cm (4.8-8 cm IQR). The median number of closure attempts needed to close the bladder was 2 (1-2 IQR). Of the 56 patients, 31 have >3 h of daytime continence, with the entirety of these patients catheterizing a stoma or below.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the critical role of osteotomy and lower limb immobilization in successful closure of the bladder and abdominal wall in CE.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Limb-body wall complex: Literature review and case report

INTRODUCTION

Body wall anomalies comprise a wide range of malformations. Limb-Body wall complex (LBWC) represents the most severe presentation of this group, with life threatening malformations in practically all the cases, including craniofacial, body wall defects, and limb anomalies. There is no consensus about its etiology and folding and gastrulation defects have been involved. Also, impaired angiogenesis has been proposed as a causative process.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a masculine stillborn, product of the first pregnancy in a 15-year-old, apparently healthy mother. He was delivered at 31 weeks of gestation due to an early rupture of membranes. He presented with multiple malformations including a wide body wall defect with multiple organ herniation and meromelia of the lower right limb.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

LBWC represents a severe and invariably fatal pathology. There are no described risk factors, nevertheless, this case presented in a teenage mother, a well-described risk factor for other body wall anomalies. Its diagnosis allows us to discriminate between other pathologies that require prenatal or postnatal specialized treatment.

A rare presentation of OEIS variant with a recto-bladder neck fistula: A case report and literature review

Introduction

Omphalocele, bladder extrophy, imperforate anus and spinal defect (known as OEIS) is a very rare congenital anomaly with an unknown etiology. In this report we describe a case of an OEIS variant associated with a wide pubic diastasis, bladder extrophy with a recto-bladder neck fistula and a high ano-rectal malformation. This work has been reported in line with the SCARE 2020 criteria.

Presentation of the case

A 30-year-old mother delivered a male baby at 39 weeks through a normal vaginal delivery. Examination revealed multiple congenital anomalies in the form of an Omphalocele, extrophied bladder, imperforate anus, ambiguous genitalia and a large pelvic diastasis. Fecal matter was noted at the most inferior point of the extrophied bladder, raising the suspicion of a recto- vesical fistula.

An exploratory laparotomy showed a fistula between the rectum and the neck of the extrophied bladder. A sigmoid colostomy was carried out in addition to a mucous fistula. The fascial defect of the Omphalocele was approximated to the upper border of the extrophied bladder.

At the age of 2 years, the baby underwent a bladder extrophy repair, a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and bilateral osteotomies.

Discussion

OEIS complex has been reported to occur with a wide variety of associated anomalies, and this necessitates a thorough investigation in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. A prenatal diagnosis of OEIS complex can be made by ultrasound stressing the importance of antenatal follow up and a multidisciplinary approach in management.

Conclusion

We described a rare variant of an OEIS complex and management of such anomalies requires a multidisciplinary input.

•

OEIS complex is a very rare congenital anomaly.

•

Our case is an OEIS variant associated with a high ano-rectal malformation.

•

Management in a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Dilemma after termination of pregnancy due to urogenital fetal anomalies: Discrepancy between prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis and autopsy

Objective

To evaluate the agreement and disagreement between prenatal ultrasound and fetal autopsy findings in pregnancy terminations due to urogenital anomalies.

Methods

Of 453 pregnancy terminations performed due to fetal anomalies, 82 cases with urogenital anomalies on either prenatal ultrasound or fetal autopsy were included in this retrospective study. The discrepancy between prenatal ultrasound and fetal autopsy findings on urogenital anomaly findings was evaluated.

Results

Complete agreement between prenatal ultrasound and fetal autopsy findings was noted in 33 (40.2%) cases (particularly for megacystis, bilateral renal agenesis, and infantile polycystic kidney), whereas partial agreement (anal atresia and horseshoe kidney as additional minor findings) and altered diagnosis were noted in 12 (14.6%) and 8 (9.8%) cases, respectively. Disagreement was noted in 29 (35.4%) cases including anomaly only on autopsy in 20 (24.3%) cases (renal agenesis, horseshoe kidney and multicystic dysplastic kidney in particular) and anomaly only on ultrasound in 9 (10.9%) cases.

Conclusions

Accordingly, our findings indicate fetal autopsy to be a method of vital importance in complementing prenatal diagnosis; it may add valuable information that may improve future pregnancy management and counseling of parents, and hence prenatal ultrasound and fetal autopsy should be regarded as complementary techniques.

Common pathogenesis for sirenomelia, OEIS complex, limb-body wall defect, and other malformations of caudal structures

Decades of clinical, pathological, and epidemiological study and the recent application of advanced microarray and gene sequencing technologies have led to an understanding of the causes and pathogenesis of most recognized patterns of malformation. Still, there remain a number of patterns of malformation whose pathogenesis has not been established. Six such patterns of malformation are sirenomelia, VACTERL association, OEIS complex, limb-body wall defect (LBWD), urorectal septum malformation (URSM) sequence, and MURCS association, all of which predominantly affect caudal structures. On the basis of the overlap of the component malformations, the co-occurrence in individual fetuses, and the findings on fetal examination, a common pathogenesis is proposed for these patterns of malformation. The presence of a single artery in the umbilical cord provides a visible clue to the pathogenesis of all cases of sirenomelia and 30%-50% of cases of VACTERL association, OEIS complex, URSM sequence, and LBWD. The single artery is formed by a coalescence of arteries that supply the yolk sac, arises from the descending aorta high in the abdominal cavity, and redirects blood flow from the developing caudal structures of the embryo to the placenta. This phenomenon during embryogenesis is termed vitelline vascular steal.

Challenges in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Cloaca

Background:

Cloaca is a common excretory channel for the genital, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. It is considered a severe anorectal malformation caused by failed partitioning of the genital, rectal, and urinary tracts.

Methods:

We report 5 infants with cloaca at birth who were identified prenatally by one or more of the following on prenatal ultrasound (US): ambiguous genitalia, a cystic pelvic/abdominal mass, hydronephrosis, ascites, a single umbilical artery, and oligohydramnios.

Results:

A cystic pelvic/abdominal mass and ambiguous genitalia were each observed in 3 cases by prenatal US. Ambiguous genitalia was observed in all 5 neonates at birth. There were 2 twin pregnancies (dichorionic/diamniotic and monochorionic/monoamniotic), with only 1 twin in a set affected with cloaca.

Conclusion:

Pediatricians should be alert to the prenatal US findings that may raise suspicion of a persistent cloaca to improve both prenatal counseling and family preparation.

Imaging findings in association with altered maternal alpha-fetoprotein levels during pregnancy

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein is a valuable laboratory test used in pregnant women as an indicator to detect certain clinical abnormalities. These can be grouped into four main categories: fetal factors, pregnancy complications, placental abnormalities, and maternal factors. Imaging is an invaluable tool to investigate the various etiologies leading to altered maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. By reading this article, the radiologist, sonologist, or other health care practitioner should be able to define the probable pathology leading to the laboratory detected abnormal maternal serum levels, thus helping the clinician to appropriately manage the pregnancy and counsel the patient.

Recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations re-conceptualized as an overlapping group of disorders with shared pathogenesis

Several recurrent malformation associations affecting the development of the embryo have been described in which a genetic etiology has not been found, including LBWC, MURCS, OAVS, OEIS, POC, VACTERL, referred to here as "recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations" (RCEM). All are characterized by an excess of reported monozygotic discordant twins and lack of familial recurrence. We performed a comprehensive review of published twin data across all six phenotypes to allow a more robust assessment of the association with twinning and potential embryologic timing of a disruptive event. We recorded the type of twinning, any overlapping features of another RCEM, maternal characteristics, and the use of ART. Statistically significant associations included an excess of monozygotic twins and 80% discordance rate for the phenotype across all twins. There was an 18.5% rate of ART and no consistently reported maternal adverse events during pregnancy. We found 24 instances of co-occurrence of two RCEM, suggesting a shared pathogenesis across all RCEM phenotypes. We hypothesize the following timing for RCEM phenotypes from the earliest perturbation in development to the latest: LBWC, POC, OEIS, VACTERL, OAVS, then MURCS. The RCEM group of conditions should be considered a spectrum that could be studied as a group.

An Algorithmic Approach to Complex Fetal Abdominal Wall Defects

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging findings associated with complex fetal abdominal wall defects and provide an algorithmic method for arriving at a final diagnosis. CONCLUSION. Fetal ventral abdominal wall defects are a complex group of conditions with a broad spectrum of associated multisystem anomalies and manifestations. Correct characterization and classification of these defects require not only familiarity with imaging findings but also a systematic approach to avoid diagnostic confusion.

Fetal MRI in the Identification of a Fetal Ventral Wall Defect Spectrum

Objective  To ascertain if useful criteria for prenatal diagnosis of fetal ventral body wall defects (VBWDs) exists by reviewing published literature on diagnosis of VBWD as compared with our own diagnostic experience. Study Design  A comprehensive literature review of diagnostic criteria of fetal VBWD including pentalogy of Cantrell (POC), omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spina bifida (OEIS), cloacal exstrophy, limb-body wall complex (LBWC), and body stalk anomaly was performed followed by a retrospective review of all fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations from our medical center over a 2-year period. Results  Classically, OEIS is omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spina bifida. POC is defects of the supraumbilical abdomen, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart. LBWC is two of the following: exencephaly or enencephaly with facial clefts, thoracoschisis or abdominoschisis, and limb defects. Twenty-four cases of VBWD on MRI over a 24-month period were identified with seven cases involving defects of additional organ systems. Six of these seven cases demonstrated findings from two or more of the traditional diagnoses POC, OEIS, and LBWC making diagnosis and counseling difficult. Conclusion  There is a lack of consensus on useful diagnostic criteria within the published literature which is reflected in our own diagnostic experience and poses a challenge for accurate prenatal counseling.

Clinical and risk factor analysis of cloacal defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

Cloacal exstrophy (CE) and persistent cloaca (PC) (alternatively termed urorectal septum malformation sequence [URSMS]), represent two major cloacal defects (CDs). Clinical characteristics and risk factors often are studied for both defects combined, rather than exploring if these defects have different etiologies. We enumerated clinical features for 47 CE and 54 PC (inclusive of URSMS) cases from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Thirty-three CE cases were classified as isolated and 14 as multiple (presence of unassociated major defects); respective totals for PC cases were 26 and 28. We compared selected child and maternal characteristics between 11,829 non-malformed controls and CE and PC cases using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Compared to controls, CE and PC cases were statistically more likely (p < 0.05) to be preterm; CE cases were more likely to be multiple births. We conducted logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for any CD, CE, and PC with selected self-reported maternal prepregnancy and periconceptional (one month prior to 3 months following conception) exposures. In crude and adjusted analyses, we observed significant positive associations for any CD, CE, and PC with use of any fertility medication or assisted reproductive technology procedure. Significant positive associations observed only in crude analyses were any CD with maternal obesity or use of progesterone, any CD and CE with any x-ray, and any CD and PC with use of folate antagonist medications. Our findings provide some of the first insights into potential differing etiologies for CE and PC.

A Rare Case of Genital Malformation with Omphalocele, Exstrophy of Bladder, Imperforate Anus and Spinal Defect Complex-Autopsy Findings

Omphalocele, Exstrophy of cloaca, Imperforate anus and Spinal defects (OEIS) is a severe manifestation of exstrophy-epispadias sequence with a combination of defects including OEIS. It results from improper closure of anterior abdominal wall and defective development of cloaca and urogenital septum due to defect in blastogenesis during the 4^th week of gestation. Identification of this complex is important through foetal autopsy as this condition can recur in siblings. Prenatal diagnosis also helps to prevent foetal death with appropriate management in the less severe cases. In severe cases, termination of pregnancy is considered. A primigravida with 28 weeks of gestation had delivered a live baby with multiple congenital anomalies; baby died after 10 minutes. These anomalies were grouped under OEIS complex.

Prenatal diagnosis of body stalk complex: A rare entity and review of literature

Body stalk anomalies are a group of massively disfiguring abdominal wall defects in which the abdominal organs lie outside of the abdominal cavity in a sac of amnioperitoneum with absence of or very small umbilical cord. Various hypotheses proposed to explain the pathogenesis of limb body wall complex include early amnion disruptions, embryonic dysplasia, and vascular disruption in early pregnancy. Body stalk anomaly is an accepted fatal anomaly and, hence, its early diagnosis aids in proper management of the patient.

Omphalocele, exstrophy of cloaca, imperforate anus and spinal defect (OEIS Complex) with overlapping features of body stalk anomaly (limb body wall complex)

OEIS is an extremely rare constellation of malformations, which includes omphalocele, exstrophy of cloaca, imperforate anus, and spinal defect. We report here autopsy findings in a case of OEIS complex, which apart from the major anomalies of the complex had bilateral club foot that is, congenital talipes equinovarus, right hydroureter, and body stalk anomaly. The umbilical cord was absent, and the umbilical vessels were embedded in an amniotic sheet, which connected the skin margin of the anterior body wall defect to the placenta, this feature being the hallmark of limb body wall complex (LBWC). This case further supports the view that OEIS and LBWC represent a continuous spectrum of abnormalities rather than separate conditions and may share a common etiology and pathogenetic mechanism as proposed by some authors.

Upper urinary tract abnormalities: a case of bilateral kidneys within a left-sided omphalocele

Children with omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects complex present with the most severe form of birth defects in the exstrophy-epispadias spectrum. Prenatal diagnosis is difficult, but improved survival over the past several decades makes understanding the potential anatomic manifestations imperative for expeditious and appropriate surgical care. The upper urinary tract is often normal in children with omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects complex, but malposition of one of the kidneys has previously been reported. We present the first case of bilateral kidney herniation into the omphalocele sac.

Blastopathies and microcephaly in a Chornobyl impacted region of Ukraine

This population-based descriptive epidemiology study demonstrates that rates of conjoined twins, teratomas, neural tube defects, microcephaly, and microphthalmia in the Rivne province of Ukraine are among the highest in Europe. The province is 200 km distant from the Chornobyl site and its northern half, a region known as Polissia, is significantly polluted by ionizing radiation. The rates of neural tube defects, microcephaly and microphthalmia in Polissia are statistically significantly higher than in the rest of the province. A survey of at-birth head size showed that values were statistically smaller in males and females born in one Polissia county than among neonates born in the capital city. These observations provide clues for confirmatory and cause-effect prospective investigations. The strength of this study stems from a reliance on international standards prevalent in Europe and a decade-long population-based surveillance of congenital malformations in two distinct large populations. The limitations of this study, as those of other descriptive epidemiology investigations, is that identified cause-effect associations require further assessment by specific prospective investigations designed to address specific teratogenic factors.

Intracranial anomalies and cloacal exstrophy--is there a role for screening?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Cloacal exstrophy (CE) is a severe multi-system congenital defect. While spina bifida is a defining feature of cloacal exstrophy, patients are not routinely screened for intracranial anomalies (ICAs). We sought to better characterize this risk of ICA in the CE patient.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 81 children with CE treated at our institution, identifying intracranial pathology, including hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation and craniosynostosis. Data points included ICA, neural tube defect, surgical procedures, and ambulatory status.

RESULTS

Of the 39 patients with cranial imaging, 31% had an ICA: 6 hydrocephalus, 3 Chiari malformation, 1 craniosynostosis, 1 hydrocephalus and craniosynostosis, and 1 Chiari malformation and craniosynostosis. All patients with ICAs had spina bifida. Patients with ICAs underwent more neurosurgical procedures, including more spinal procedures. Patients with ICAs were much more likely to be wheelchair-bound or ambulate minimally when compared to patients without anomalies.

CONCLUSION

In our population of CE patients with available head imaging, 31% had an ICA, thus screening would seem prudent. As all patients with ICAs had spina bifida, it may be less important to screen those rare CE patients without spinal pathology. Patients with ICAs were more likely to be wheelchair-bound, suggesting worse neurologic outcomes.

High prevalence of sacrococcygeal teratoma in Finland - a nationwide population-based study

AIM

The birth prevalence of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) has been reported to range from 1:27 000 to 1:40 000. We assessed the population-based prevalence and clinical presentation of SCT over 22 years.

METHODS

We identified all cases of SCT, including live births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOPs), in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations, covering 1987-2008. Data on prenatal diagnoses, pregnancy outcomes, infant deaths and associated anomalies were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty four SCT cases were identified among 1 331 699 pregnancies. There were 89 (72%) live births, 13 (10%) stillbirths and 22 (18%) TOPs. The total prevalence of SCT was 1:10 700. Tumours were detected in utero in 55% of the pregnancies with SCT. The proportion of perinatal deaths among all SCT births was 28%. Thirty percentage of the cases had associated abnormalities (mainly of the urinary tract and various syndromes).

CONCLUSION

This nationwide, population-based study on SCT shows that the total and birth prevalence of SCT in Finland is markedly higher than previously reported. This may reflect true differences between populations, but may also be explained by accurate nationwide registration of SCTs. The high perinatal mortality rate has an impact on counselling of families and planning of deliveries.

Fetal MRI of cloacal exstrophy

BACKGROUND

Prenatal ultrasonographic (US) diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy (CE) is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To define the fetal MRI findings in CE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of eight patients with CE. Imaging was performed between 22 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation with US in four and MRI in eight fetuses. Abdominal wall, gastrointestinal/genitourinary, and spine and limb abnormalities detected were compared with postnatal evaluation.

RESULTS

US failed to display CE in one of the four fetuses. Fetal MRI confirmed CE in all eight fetuses by demonstrating absence of a normal bladder and lack of meconium-filled rectum/colon, associated with protuberant pelvic contour and omphalocele. These findings correlated postnatally with CE, atretic hindgut and omphalocele. One fetus had imaging before rupture of the cloacal membrane, showing a protruding pelvic cyst. Absent bladder was noted in the remaining seven fetuses. Confirmed skin-covered spinal defects were noted in seven fetuses, low conus/tethered cord in one and clubfoot in three. Six fetuses had renal anomalies, two had hydrocolpos and one had ambiguous genitalia.

CONCLUSION

Fetal MRI provides a confident diagnosis of CE when a normal bladder is not identified, there is a protuberant abdominopelvic contour and there is absence of meconium-filled rectum and colon. Genitourinary and spinal malformations are common associations.

Prenatal findings of omphalocele-exstrophy of the bladder-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) complex

Omphalocele-exstrophy of the bladder (cloaca)-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) complex describes a rare grouping of more commonly occurring component malformations. We report two cases of OEIS complex diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In both cases, OEIS complex was suspected by conventional sonography in the second trimester, and fetal MRI was performed at 27 and 32 weeks of gestation. Conventional sonography revealed low abdominal wall mass, spina bifida, absent bladder and ambiguous genitalia, but those findings were inconclusive. Using fetal MRI, we were able to detect omphalocele, imfraumbilical mass connected to gut tract, absent bladder, ambiguous external genitalia and spinal defect. Our findings suggest that fetal MRI is a useful tool for prenatal diagnosis of OEIS complex. MRI helps prenatal counseling and planning of postnatal early treatment strategy.

First-trimester diagnosis of body stalk anomaly using 2- and 3-dimensional sonography

To determine the sonographic features of body stalk anomaly in the first trimester using 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) sonography, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all nuchal translucency sonographic examinations performed between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2010, at our institution. From a total of 6952 nuchal translucency sonographic examinations, 4 cases of body stalk anomaly were identified. All cases were characterized by an absent umbilical cord and a large ventral wall defect with herniation of the abdominal contents into the extraembryonic coelom. Associated features included kyphoscoliosis, limb defects, and enlarged nuchal translucency measurements. Three-dimensional sonography was a useful adjunct to 2D techniques in determining the precise relationship of fetal structures to the amniotic cavity. Our case series emphasizes the importance of a thorough anatomic survey at the time of nuchal translucency screening and the value of 3D sonography in the delineation of first-trimester anomalies.

Bladder exstrophy: an epidemiologic study from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, and an overview of the literature

Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a complex congenital anomaly characterized by a defect in the closure of the lower abdominal wall and bladder. We aimed to provide an overview of the literature and conduct an epidemiologic study to describe the prevalence, and maternal and case characteristics of BE. We used data from 22 participating member programs of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR). All cases were reviewed and classified as isolated, syndrome, and multiple congenital anomalies. We estimated the total prevalence of BE and calculated the frequency and odds ratios for various maternal and case characteristics. A total of 546 cases with BE were identified among 26,355,094 births. The total prevalence of BE was 2.07 per 100,000 births (95% CI: 1.90-2.25) and varied between 0.52 and 4.63 among surveillance programs participating in the study. BE was nearly twice as common among male as among female cases. The proportion of isolated cases was 71%. Prevalence appeared to increase with increasing categories of maternal age, particularly among isolated cases. The total prevalence of BE showed some variations by geographical region, which is most likely attributable to differences in registration of cases. The higher total prevalence among male cases and older mothers, especially among isolated cases, warrants further attention.

Spectrum of cloacal exstrophy

Cloacal exstrophy, one of the most severe congenital anomalies compatible with life, occurs in up to 1 in 200,000 lives births. The condition affects nearly every major organ system with severe neurologic, skeletal, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary ramifications. With increased understanding of the anatomy and embryology combined with refinements in prenatal diagnosis and postnatal care, there is now near-universal survival of patients with cloacal exstrophy. Functional and cosmetic outcomes have improved with modifications in surgical technique. However, debate continues regarding the issue of gender identity, and long-term data are still accruing with respect to the best strategy for management. Despite the extensive malformations noted, many patients have gone on to live fruitful lives.

Prenatal diagnosis of OEIS (omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, clubfeet) variant associated with increased nuchal translucency and OEIS complex with ambiguous genitalia associated with corrected transposition of the great arteries: case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The OEIS complex refers to a combination of defects consisting in omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus and spinal defects and represents a rare nosologic entity (from 1:200,000 to 1:400,000 pregnancies). The defect probably occurs in early blastogenesis or in mesodermal migration during the primitive streak period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two cases of OEIS complex diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound are reported. The medical record regarding differential diagnosis, associated anomalies, treatment and prognosis has also been sought and reported.

CONCLUSION

Differential diagnosis with exstrophy-epispadias complex and/or cloacalexstrophy complex may be difficult antenatally by means of ultrasound. However, color Doppler has been proved to aid the diagnosis of bladder exstrophy by depicting the urine flow in direct communication with the abdominal cavity and has been useful in showing the course of the perivesical umbilical arteries. Prenatal 3D ultrasound with tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) and antenatal MR imaging might be useful adjuncts to conventional 2D scan in aiding the prenatal diagnosis of such malformation.

Comprehensive genetic analysis of OEIS complex reveals no evidence for a recurrent microdeletion or duplication

Omphalocele-exstrophy of the bladder-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) complex, or cloacal exstrophy (EC), is a rare constellation of malformations in humans involving the urogenital, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems, and less commonly the central nervous system. Although OEIS complex is well-recognized in the clinical setting, there remains a significant lack of understanding of this condition at both the developmental and the genetic level. While most cases are sporadic, familial cases have been reported, suggesting that one or more specific genes may play a significant role in this condition. Several developmental mechanisms have been proposed to explain the etiology of OEIS complex, and it is generally considered to be a defect early in caudal mesoderm development and ventral body wall closure. The goal of this study was to identify genetic aberrations in 13 patients with OEIS/EC using a combination of candidate gene analysis and microarray studies. Analysis of 14 candidate genes in combination with either high resolution SNP or oligonucleotide microarray did not reveal any disease-causing mutations, although novel variants were identified in five patients. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive genetic analysis of patients with OEIS complex to date. We conclude that OEIS is a complex disorder from an etiological perspective, likely involving a combination of genetic and environmental predispositions. Based on our data, OEIS complex is unlikely to be caused by a recurrent chromosomal aberration.

Neuro-orthopedic manifestations of the omphalocele exstrophy imperforate anus spinal defects complex

PURPOSE

The omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects complex is a severe multisystem congenital defect. To comprehensively care for these patients one must appreciate the neurological and orthopedic impact on the overall health of the child.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 73 children with omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects who were treated at our institution, identifying neurological and orthopedic anomalies, ambulatory ability and voiding status.

RESULTS

No neurological data were available on 5 patients. Of the remaining 68 patients 9 had no spinal anomaly, 57 had spina bifida, 1 had hemivertebrae and 1 had coccygeal hypoplasia. We further classified the 47 spina bifida cases as spina bifida occulta in 6, meningocele/lipomeningocele in 12, myelomeningocele/lipomyelomeningocele in 24 and sacral agenesis in 6. Of the patients with spina bifida 35 had cord tethering. Commonly identified orthopedic anomalies were vertebral malformation in 59 patients, scoliosis in 25, clubfoot in 14 and limb length discrepancy in 8. Ambulatory status in 62 patients of walking age revealed that 37 ambulated fully, 15 ambulated with devices, 2 ambulated minimally with devices and 8 were wheelchair bound. Continence data were available on 61 closed cases. Of these patients 26 were incontinent, including 3 with conduit diversion, 1 with ureterostomy and 1 with vesicostomy. A total of 35 patients were socially continent, of whom 30 catheterized via a continent abdominal stoma and 5 voided/catheterized via the urethra.

CONCLUSIONS

Early evaluation for neurosurgical and orthopedic anomalies is vital in these children. Despite the high incidence of spinal pathology most patients ambulate without assistance. Few children with omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects achieve continence via the urethra. Vigilant followup is necessary to identify potentially correctable conditions.

Cloacal exstrophy: a comprehensive review of an uncommon problem

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features, diagnosis, current management strategies, and outcomes of cloacal exstrophy.

METHODS

A PUBMED/Medline search of the literature was performed on cloacal exstrophy focusing on associated anomalies, treatment, and quality of life issues.

RESULTS

The incidence of cloacal exstrophy is between 1 in 200,000 and 400,000 live births. Survival rates now approach 100% secondary to improved understanding of underlying abnormalities and advances in neonatal care and surgical technique. Important principles of initial management include proper nutritional support, early closure of exstrophy, and preservation of intestinal length. The achievement of urinary and fecal continence remains a challenge. Data for long-term outcomes are now emerging which provide new insight into issues of gender identity, function, and psychosocial development of these patients.

CONCLUSION

Cloacal exstrophy remains a rare and complex congenital anomaly, characterized by an array of anatomical defects affecting multiple organ systems. A multidisciplinary approach to management is advocated with a focus on optimization of patient function and quality of life.

The exstrophy-epispadias complex

Exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) represents a spectrum of genitourinary malformations ranging in severity from epispadias (E) to classical bladder exstrophy (CEB) and exstrophy of the cloaca (EC). Depending on severity, EEC may involve the urinary system, musculoskeletal system, pelvis, pelvic floor, abdominal wall, genitalia, and sometimes the spine and anus. Prevalence at birth for the whole spectrum is reported at 1/10,000, ranging from 1/30,000 for CEB to 1/200,000 for EC, with an overall greater proportion of affected males. EEC is characterized by a visible defect of the lower abdominal wall, either with an evaginated bladder plate (CEB), or with an open urethral plate in males or a cleft in females (E). In CE, two exstrophied hemibladders, as well as omphalocele, an imperforate anus and spinal defects, can be seen after birth. EEC results from mechanical disruption or enlargement of the cloacal membrane; the timing of the rupture determines the severity of the malformation. The underlying cause remains unknown: both genetic and environmental factors are likely to play a role in the etiology of EEC. Diagnosis at birth is made on the basis of the clinical presentation but EEC may be detected prenatally by ultrasound from repeated non-visualization of a normally filled fetal bladder. Counseling should be provided to parents but, due to a favorable outcome, termination of the pregnancy is no longer recommended. Management is primarily surgical, with the main aims of obtaining secure abdominal wall closure, achieving urinary continence with preservation of renal function, and, finally, adequate cosmetic and functional genital reconstruction. Several methods for bladder reconstruction with creation of an outlet resistance during the newborn period are favored worldwide. Removal of the bladder template with complete urinary diversion to a rectal reservoir can be an alternative. After reconstructive surgery of the bladder, continence rates of about 80% are expected during childhood. Additional surgery might be needed to optimize bladder storage and emptying function. In cases of final reconstruction failure, urinary diversion should be undertaken. In puberty, genital and reproductive function are important issues. Psychosocial and psychosexual outcome depend on long-term multidisciplinary care to facilitate an adequate quality of life.

First-trimester prenatal sonographic diagnosis of omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects complex

We describe a case of omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) diagnosed at 13 weeks' gestation by ultrasound detection of a large multilocular ventral wall mass into which inserted the umbilical cord, and thoracic hemivertebrae with kyphoscoliosis. Subsequent sonographic examinations at 16 and 19 weeks revealed evolution of the ventral wall mass into a classic omphalocele. Clinicians should recognize the significance of a large multicystic ventral wall mass, which should lead to a search for other anomalies suggestive of OEIS complex.