Persistent cloaca presenting with persistent massive fetal ascites resulting from severely compromised urinary function.

Persistent cloaca (PC) is a rare abnormality characterized by a direct communication between the gastrointestinal, urinary and genital structures. We report a case of PC presenting with persistent massive fetal ascites. Postpartum examination demonstrated a long and narrow common channel of PC. Fetal ascites is caused by urinary drainage through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. Usually it occurs temporarily and disappears with the subsequent development of intrapelvic cysts. A long and narrow common channel of PC has been found to contribute to the persistent ascites.