Persistent cloaca: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Persistent cloaca
| image          = [[File:Cloaca_with_short_common_channel-crop.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Diagram of a persistent cloaca with a short common channel
| field          = [[Pediatric surgery]], [[Urology]]
| synonyms        = Cloacal malformation
| symptoms        = [[Urinary tract infection]], [[fecal incontinence]], [[vaginal discharge]]
| complications  = [[Kidney damage]], [[infertility]], [[bowel obstruction]]
| onset          = [[Congenital disorder|Congenital]]
| duration        = Lifelong
| types          = Short common channel, long common channel
| causes          = [[Embryological development]] error
| risks          = [[Genetic factors]], [[environmental factors]]
| diagnosis      = [[Ultrasound]], [[MRI]], [[endoscopy]]
| differential    = [[Anorectal malformation]], [[vaginal atresia]]
| prevention      = None
| treatment      = [[Surgical reconstruction]], [[colostomy]]
| medication      = [[Antibiotics]], [[laxatives]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on severity and treatment
| frequency      = 1 in 20,000 to 25,000 live births
| deaths          = Rare, with appropriate treatment
}}
'''Persistent cloaca''' is a rare [[birth defect]] that occurs in female infants, in which the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract meet and fuse, creating a single common channel. This condition is the most severe form of [[anorectal malformation]] and is also known as '''cloacal malformation'''.
'''Persistent cloaca''' is a rare [[birth defect]] that occurs in female infants, in which the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract meet and fuse, creating a single common channel. This condition is the most severe form of [[anorectal malformation]] and is also known as '''cloacal malformation'''.
==Etiology==
==Etiology==
The exact cause of persistent cloaca is unknown. However, it is believed to occur during the early stages of [[pregnancy]] when the baby's rectum, vagina, and urinary tract are developing. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to genetic factors or environmental influences.
The exact cause of persistent cloaca is unknown. However, it is believed to occur during the early stages of [[pregnancy]] when the baby's rectum, vagina, and urinary tract are developing. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to genetic factors or environmental influences.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The main symptom of persistent cloaca is the absence of separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract in a newborn girl. Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling and difficulties with passing urine or stool.
The main symptom of persistent cloaca is the absence of separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract in a newborn girl. Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling and difficulties with passing urine or stool.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Persistent cloaca is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly after. The diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination and imaging tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan.
Persistent cloaca is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly after. The diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination and imaging tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The treatment for persistent cloaca involves surgery to create separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the baby's overall health. Post-surgery, ongoing care may be needed to manage potential complications and improve the child's quality of life.
The treatment for persistent cloaca involves surgery to create separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the baby's overall health. Post-surgery, ongoing care may be needed to manage potential complications and improve the child's quality of life.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for girls with persistent cloaca varies. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many can lead normal lives. However, they may face ongoing challenges such as urinary and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and psychosocial issues.
The prognosis for girls with persistent cloaca varies. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many can lead normal lives. However, they may face ongoing challenges such as urinary and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and psychosocial issues.
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Anorectal malformation]]
* [[Anorectal malformation]]
* [[Birth defect]]
* [[Birth defect]]
* [[Congenital disorder]]
* [[Congenital disorder]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of digestive system]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of digestive system]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of urinary system]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of urinary system]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of female genital organs]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of female genital organs]]
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{{stub}}
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<gallery>
File:Cloaca_with_short_common_channel-crop.jpg
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 22:14, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Persistent cloaca
File:Cloaca with short common channel-crop.jpg
Synonyms Cloacal malformation
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Urinary tract infection, fecal incontinence, vaginal discharge
Complications Kidney damage, infertility, bowel obstruction
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types Short common channel, long common channel
Causes Embryological development error
Risks Genetic factors, environmental factors
Diagnosis Ultrasound, MRI, endoscopy
Differential diagnosis Anorectal malformation, vaginal atresia
Prevention None
Treatment Surgical reconstruction, colostomy
Medication Antibiotics, laxatives
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency 1 in 20,000 to 25,000 live births
Deaths Rare, with appropriate treatment


Persistent cloaca is a rare birth defect that occurs in female infants, in which the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract meet and fuse, creating a single common channel. This condition is the most severe form of anorectal malformation and is also known as cloacal malformation.

Etiology[edit]

The exact cause of persistent cloaca is unknown. However, it is believed to occur during the early stages of pregnancy when the baby's rectum, vagina, and urinary tract are developing. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to genetic factors or environmental influences.

Symptoms[edit]

The main symptom of persistent cloaca is the absence of separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract in a newborn girl. Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling and difficulties with passing urine or stool.

Diagnosis[edit]

Persistent cloaca is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly after. The diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination and imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment for persistent cloaca involves surgery to create separate openings for the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the baby's overall health. Post-surgery, ongoing care may be needed to manage potential complications and improve the child's quality of life.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for girls with persistent cloaca varies. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many can lead normal lives. However, they may face ongoing challenges such as urinary and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and psychosocial issues.

See also[edit]

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