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Anatomy of Classic Bladder Exstrophy: MRI Findings and Surgical Correlation

  • New Imaging Techniques (S Rais-Bahrami and K Porter, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) represents a group of congenitally acquired malformations involving the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. Classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) is the most common and best studied entity within the EEC. In this review, imaging features of CBE anatomy will be presented with surgical correlation.

Recent Findings

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a useful modality for pre- and postnatal assessment of the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems of children with CBE. The authors’ experience supports use of preoperative MRI, in conjunction with navigational software, as a method for identifying complex CBE anatomy.

Summary

Imaging facilitates surgical approach and improves visualization of complex anatomy, potentially helping to avoid complications. Continued investigation of imaging guidance in CBE repair is needed as surgical techniques improve.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Emily A. Dunn & Aylin Tekes

  2. Robert D. Jeffs Division of Pediatric Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institutions, Charlotte Bloomberg Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Matthew Kasprenski, Karl Benz, Mahir Maruf, Mohammad H. Zaman, John Gearhart & Heather Di Carlo

  3. Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    James Facciola

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  1. Emily A. Dunn
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  3. James Facciola
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  4. Karl Benz
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Correspondence to Emily A. Dunn.

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Conflict of Interest

Emily A. Dunn, Matthew Kasprenski, James Facciola, Karl Benz, Mahir Maruf, Mohammad H. Zaman, John Gearhart, Heather Di Carlo, and Aylin Tekes each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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Dunn, E.A., Kasprenski, M., Facciola, J. et al. Anatomy of Classic Bladder Exstrophy: MRI Findings and Surgical Correlation. Curr Urol Rep 20, 48 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0916-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0916-2

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