Persistent cloaca
Persistent cloaca
Persistent cloaca (/pərˈsɪstənt kloʊˈeɪkə/; from Latin cloaca meaning "sewer") is a rare birth defect that occurs primarily in females, in which the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract meet and fuse, creating a single common channel.
Etymology
The term cloaca is derived from the Latin word cloāca which means sewer or drain. In zoology, a cloaca is a posterior orifice that serves as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts of certain animal species. The term persistent is used to indicate that this condition continues to exist, i.e., it persists, from the developmental stage into birth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of persistent cloaca include an inability to pass stool, a single opening for urine and stool, and abdominal swelling. In some cases, a mass may be palpable in the lower abdomen.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of persistent cloaca is typically made at birth or shortly thereafter. It can be suspected if a newborn girl has a single opening in the perineal area. Prenatal ultrasound may also detect the condition.
Treatment
Treatment for persistent cloaca typically involves surgery to separate the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract into separate openings. The timing and type of surgery depend on the specific anatomy of the child and the surgeon's expertise.
Related Terms
- Anorectal malformations: A group of birth defects in which the anus and rectum do not develop properly.
- VACTERL association: A non-random association of birth defects that affects multiple parts of the body. The term VACTERL is an acronym with each letter representing the first letter of one of the more common findings seen in affected individuals: (V) = vertebral abnormalities; (A) = anal atresia; (C) = cardiac (heart) defects; (T) = tracheal defects; (E) = esophageal abnormalities; (R) = renal (kidney) and radial (thumb side of hand) abnormalities; and (L) = other limb abnormalities.
- Urogenital sinus: A condition in which the urethra and vagina share a common channel.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Persistent cloaca
- Wikipedia's article - Persistent cloaca
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