Author/Presenter: Breana Uzeta, MD
Resident, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Pediatrics
Contributing Author/Faculty Mentor: Monica Huff, MD
Assistant Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch, Pediatrics, Neonatology
POSTER ABSTRACT (View Poster PDF)
A preterm infant girl was born with atypical genitalia and anatomical defects later found to have posterior cloaca. A cloacal anomaly occurs during the 6-7th week of gestation when the urorectal septum fails to descend resulting in a single perineal opening for the vagina, bladder, and rectum. Cloacal anomalies are increasing in incidence from 1: 9,715 - 27,174 births, likely from improved recording and diagnostic testing. There are no known hereditary, maternal, or teratogen linkages. Cloacal anomalies are frequently associated with other syndromes or anatomical defects. Surgical intervention is required immediately for decompression with subsequent surgeries are necessary to restore bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Urinary and fecal incontinence are frequent lifelong complications.