[Bilateral ureteroceles with bilateral secondary hydronephrosis and pelvic ureteral calculi. Case report]

Bilateral ureterocele is a rare congenital condition that is usually diagnosed antenatally or in childhood. We present the case of a 64 year-old woman who was admitted for incidentally discovered microscopic hematuria. A bilateral ureterocele and secondary pelvic ureteral calculi were diagnosed by clinical examination (vaginal touch), ultrasound, plain radiography and intravenous urography. A transurethral incision of the ureterocele and extraction of calculi was performed by endoscopic approach. The postoperative recovery was uneventfull. Considering the risk for development of vesicoureteral reflux or recurrence of obstruction at the ureterovesical junction, a close long-term follow-up is required.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis and obstructive uropathy due to actinomycosis: case report of a treatment approach

An actinomycotic retroperitoneal infection usually occurs in the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD). It can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and diffuse retroperitoneal fibrosis. A 39-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency unit with left flank pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and a retroperitoneal malignant mass. Other tumors were excluded with a colonoscopy and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results of a fine needle aspiration biopsy showed fibrosis compatible with retroperitoneal mesenteritis. Double-J stents were placed in both ureters, and immunosuppressive therapy was started. The patient had clinical and radiologic responses to the therapy. A bilateral ureterolysis and sigmoid colon resection were done. The pathology report showed fibrosis and Actinomyces israelii infection. Parenteral and oral penicillins were administered. The probability of an Actinomyces infection in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis should be kept in mind, especially in cases in which the patient has an intrauterine device.

Megacalycosis: a rare condition

Megacalycosis is an extremely rare condition. We report our experience with two cases and discuss its pathogenesis, diagnosis and management in children. Our two patients had presented a prior diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis. An increased number of calyces with a significant disproportion between the degree of calyceal dilatation and a mildly dilated renal pelvis were found in each case. Megacalycosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis, polycalycosis, and infundibular stenosis. The diagnosis is suggested by ultrasound and confirmed by diuretic renography, intravenous pyelography or magnetic resonance urography. Voiding cystourethrography should be performed to rule out vesicoureteral reflux. A high index of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis of this condition.

[Preliminary results of a program for the early management of children with congenital hydronephrosis]

Antenatal hydronephrosis is one of the most frequently diagnosed congenital abnormalities in the fetus. The aim of the study is to present the preliminary results of a newly launched Pommeranian Program for Early Management of CAKUT in Children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

105 neonates and infants with hydronephrosis were assessed between Jan and Dec 2007 (27 girls and 78 boys). All patients had postnatal ultrasound performed. Static and dynamic scyntigraphy and cystography were performed according to set indications. Therapeutic decisions were made following a team meeting between pediatric nephrologists and urologists.

RESULTS

56.2% of children with hydronephrosis had documented prenatal findings: 61%--pyelectasis, 15.3% renal cysts, 5.1% unspecified renal pathology, in 18.6% no renal pathology. 82.6% of newborns had term births but perinatal complications were observed in 30.5%. Initial postnatal diagnosis was performed by neonatal wards in 22.8% newborns and by the children's pediatrician in 31.4% of infants. Following referral to nephro-urology centre cystography was performed in 22.9% of infants and scintigraphy in 36.2%. 21.9% of infants were qualified for surgical intervention at an average age of 24 + 13 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Only half of the children with congenital hydronephrosis are to nephro-urology care following prenatal diagnosis. 2. A large number of perinatal complications are observed in newborns with prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. 3. The management of newborn hydronephrosis requires better cooperation between obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatric nephrologists and urologists.

[Program of early nephro-urologic management of children with congenital hydronephrosis]

Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the main cause of end stage renal disease in childhood. Early prenatal detection with planned postnatal diagnosis and therapy are the mainstay of management of neonates with CAKUT which is aimed at the conservation of renal tissue. The above assumptions led to the establishment of the Pommeranian Program for Management of Children with CAKUT. The strategy of the program is to coordinate prenatal diagnosis performed by obstetricians, postnatal care by neonatologists and early management by pediatric nephrologists and urologists. It will involve approximately 200 neonates annually. The basic concept of the program includes the following: 1. Delivery of a child with congenital hydronephrosis detected prenatal should take place in a center with specialist neonatal care. 2. Child with a congenital hydronephrosis should remain under specialist nephro-urologic care immediately after delivery. 3. Child with a congenital hydronephrosis should be qualified to scheduled urologic surgery after results of diagnostic tests and according to general status. 4. Model of integrated care on a child with congenital hydronephrosis should consist in close cooperation between obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatric nephrologists, and urologists.

The predictive values of urinalysis in intravenous urogram. Is intravenous urography really necessary in mild hydronephrotic patient?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many patients who presented to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) with signs and symptoms of urolithiasis had mild hydronephrosis with non visualization of calculus on ultrasound examination. These patients underwent an intravenous urogram (IVU) in order to determine the presence of urolithiasis and most of them had normal IVU. The main aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of urinalysis in this group of patients in determining the need for IVU examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospectively the ultrasound, urinalysis and intravenous urography reports of 53 patients were reviewed and evaluated.

RESULTS

The positive predictive and negative predictive value of urinalysis was found to be 68% and 96.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS; The results indicate that the urinalysis was an excellent negative predictor for IVU. In view of high radiation dose, risk of contrast reaction and contrast induced nephropathy of IVU, we suggest that it should not be performed in patient with non visualization of calculus mild hydronephrosis when the urinalysis is negative for blood.

Results of a practical protocol for management of prenatally detected hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Several algorithms exist for the management of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). We utilize a conservative and practical approach emphasizing observation, with less frequent use of renal flow scans (RFS). We reviewed the results of 143 pediatric patients with congenital UPJO managed at our institution, focusing on surveillance and selective utilization of RFS, according to a standardized protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Charts of all infants with prenatally detected UPJO treated surgically or followed conservatively according to our protocol were reviewed. Patients were initially evaluated with ultrasound (US), voiding cystourethrogram, and RFS. Successive follow-up was with interval US. RFS was reserved for those with worsening hydronephrosis or that which failed to improve on US by 1 year. Radiographic studies and operative reports were examined. Gender, side of UPJO, degree of hydronephrosis, mode of management, and current status of the patients were noted.

RESULTS

The records of 143 patients and a total of 198 renal units (RU) were reviewed. The male:female ratio was 2.7. UPJO was unilateral in 88 (61%) patients and occurred more frequently on the left side (68%). Obstruction was bilateral in 55 (39%) patients. Initial US grade of hydronephrosis was Grade 1 in 56 RU (28%), Grade 2 in 51 RU (26%), Grade 3 in 50 RU (25%) and Grade 4 in 41 RU (21%). 178 RU (90%) were followed conservatively, while open dismembered pyeloplasty was the initial therapeutic approach in 20 RU (10%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 15.95+/-14.60 weeks (range 2-60). Indications included low differential renal function (DRF) (n=12), absence of tracer clearance from the renal pelvis (n=2), parental preference (n=3), and acute renal failure (n=3). Postoperative course was uneventful during 33.43+/-33.53 months (range 2-120) with favorable US and RFS results. In conservatively managed patients, mean follow-up time was 14.94+/-14.35 months (range 1.5-142). Spontaneous resolution of hydronephrosis was observed in 87 RU (49%), while 10 RU (5.6%) eventually required surgery for worsening appearance or function on US or RFS, respectively (n=8), symptom development (n=3), and/or parental preference due to persistently prolonged T1/2 (n=4). Seventy-two RU (40.4%) remain under surveillance with improvement (47.2%) or stable hydronephrosis (47.2%) in 94.4%. Decreased DRF occurred in 1 RU. Nine RU (5%) were lost to follow-up. With application of this algorithm, only 12% of patients underwent two or more RFS.

CONCLUSION

Pyeloplasty may be performed safely in infants when indicated; however, the majority of children with UPJO can be managed conservatively. Spontaneous resolution of hydronephrosis and/or favorable prognosis was encountered in 87% of conservatively managed RU. The use of a standard US grading system, selective utilization of follow-up renal function testing, and parental compliance are important factors in successful management.

Abdominal lump: a diagnostic dilemma

Abdomen is a Pandora's Box. During our routine patient evaluation we come across different types of abdominal lumps out of which some are straight forward and diagnosed after routine clinical examinations and available investigations. At times these abdominal lumps present differently from their usual presentations and create confusions despite undergoing necessary investigations. The truth is explored only after opening the Pandora's Box. We present a case of 21 years old male who presented with history of gradually increasing right sided upper abdominal lump of three years duration. He was thoroughly investigated with USG and CT scan abdomen along with other supportive investigations and was diagnosed to have Hydatid cyst of liver. Accordingly patient was prepared for surgery and it was only at the time of laparotomy that he was found to have right sided giant hydronephrosis with a nonviable renal parenchymal tissue. He underwent right sided nephrectomy and had a good postoperative recovery. So at times the abdominal lumps keep on creating diagnostic dilemmas.

A new mitochondrial mutation in a patient with diabetes mellitus, deafness, hydronephrosis and joint contractures

A 28-year-old man presented with multiple flexion contractures of hands and feet, deafness, diabetes mellitus and obstructive nephropathy because of bilateral ureterovesicular stricture. Other prominent clinical findings were short stature, bilateral proptosis, multiple freckles and sacralisation of LS. In order to investigate the role of mitochondrial mutations in various clinical manifestations observed in this patient, we performed mutation screening of 1.6 kb mtDNA around the tRNA (Leu(UUR)) part of 16SrRNA and the ND1 gene. No mutation was present at position 3243 which is associated with diabetes mellitus and deafness. A new point mutation (A/G) at position 4093 of the ND1 gene was found. In conclusion, we found a novel mitochondrial mutation in a patient with diabetes and deafness. This mutation has not been reported before and is the first mutation described in the ND1 gene which is related to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and deafness and could be specific to the Iranian population. All other unusual clinical findings in this patient can be attributed to the presence of this new mutation.

[Case with renal pelvic carcinoma with giant hydronephrosis]

A 62-year-old man consulted us for further examination of left giant hydronephrosis which was accidentally found by abdominal ultrasonography. The patient chose observation instead of left nephrectomy. One year later, he re-visited us with a complaint of sudden abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed left giant hydronephrosis containing high-density fluid which was suspected of hemorrhage in the renal pelvis. Percutaneous nephrostomy yielded discharge of 7000 ml of hemorrhagic fluid and urine cytology revealed class V. Systemic examination by CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed renal pelvic tumors in the left kidney as well as multiple metastatic lesions in the lung, liver and bone. Pathological examination of the left renal pelvic tumors obtained by biopsy showed high-grade urothelial carcinoma. Although systemic and intra-arterial chemotherapy showed partial response in the metastatic lesions, he died of cancer 1 year and 3 months after the first diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging for ureteral fibroepithelial polyp

Ureteric tumours are rare and most of them are malignant. Of benign tumours, ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are the most common but are still considered clinical rarities. In the past, most benign ureteric tumours were only diagnosed after surgical removal. With technological advance, magnetic resonance imaging has become an effective means of assessing ureteric lesions. Non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance urography can produce an image comparable to an intravenous urogram without use of intravenous water-soluble contrast. A polyp can be diagnosed on imaging if there is an elongated filling defect inside the ureter. Nevertheless, a definitive diagnosis relies on ureteroscopic examination with biopsy. When a non-obstructive polyp is being managed conservatively, imaging is helpful for monitoring. Equally, the information obtained from imaging can be used to plan operative treatment.

Ureterosciatic hernia causes obstructive uropathy

Obstructive uropathy can be caused by urolithiasis, fibrotic ureteral stricture, inflammatory ureteritis with polyp formations, ureteral malignancy and various forms of external compression. Ureteral herniation is a relatively rare cause of obstructive uropathy and has been reported with herniation sites including inguinal canal, femoral canal and sciatic foramen. Most ureteral herniations occur in the inguinal area. In the literature, previous cases of sciatic ureter have been treated with observation in asymptomatic patients or with surgery in patients with obstructive uropathy or clinical symptomatology. We report the case of a 91-year-old female with asymptomatic hydronephrosis of the left kidney due to extremely rare ureterosciatic herniation. Her global renal function was acceptable. As she was elderly and a poor surgical candidate, watchful waiting was recommended after discussion with the patient and her family.

Bilateral ureteric obstruction of a partially duplicated collecting system improves after surgical correction of procidentia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Although the association between pelvic organ prolapse and upper urinary tract dilation has been documented, the causal relationship between the two has not been established. We report an improvement in severe hydronephrosis and hydroureter of a partially duplicated urinary collecting system after surgical correction of procidentia.

CASE

A 52-year-old woman presented with radiologic evidence of a partially duplicated right collecting system with right-sided hydronephrosis and bilateral hydroureter in the setting of stage IV uterovaginal prolapse. A therapeutic trial of pessary placement failed to resolve the upper urinary tract dilation. The patient underwent abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, sacrocolpopexy, mid-urethral sling placement and posterior colporrhaphy. Repeat intravenous urography 4 weeks after surgery demonstrated interval resolution of the hydronephrosis.

CONCLUSION

An improvement in hydronephrosis after surgical correction supports a cause-and-effect relationship between pelvic organ prolapse and obstructive uropathy.

The long-term outcome of antenatal hydronephrosis up to 15 millimetres justifies a noninvasive postnatal follow-up

AIM

To assess the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and surgery in infants with different grades of antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) and to evaluate incidence, severity and course of underlying vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

METHODS

Retrospective data of 125 infants with ANH were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the anterior-posterior pelvis diameter: group I, 5-14 mm and group II, > or =15 mm.

RESULTS

UTIs developed in 4 of 106 infants from group I and 5 of 19 infants from group II. Surgical interventions were performed on 1 of 106 patients of group I and 7 of 19 patients of group II. These differences were statistically significant (p-values 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). In group I, 6 of 106 patients had VUR; none of them required surgical intervention and only two developed a UTI (one of whom also had contralateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction). Five of 19 infants in group II had underlying VUR, four of them with associated anomalies, 1 infant required surgical correction and 4 developed UTIs.

CONCLUSION

Infants with ANH up to 15 mm have a low incidence of UTIs and surgery and a low incidence and benign course of underlying VUR. Therefore, noninvasive postnatal follow-up is justified and standard voiding cystourethrography should not be performed, but only in cases of ureteric dilatation.

[Modern technologies in diagnosis and treatment of patients with late stages of hydronephrosis]

To evaluate the role of modern ultrasonic, x-ray and radionuclide methods in staging hydronephrosis; that of stimulators of stem cells of the bone marrow in combined therapy of patients with late hydronephrosis, we examined and treated 18 patients with late-stage hydro- and ureterohydronephrosis. All the patients were operated. Preoperative preparation included drainage of the upper urinary tract and stimulation of bone marrow stem cells. Organ-saving surgery was conducted with a satisfactory functional result in 14 of 18 patients. Modern methods of investigation provide an objective assessment of structural-functional condition of the kidneys and upper urinary tract in patients with late hydro- and ureterohydronephrosis, may evidence for possible reversibility of registered uro- and hemodynamic alterations. Preoperative use of stimulators of bone marrow stem cells promotes activation of repair processes in renal parenchyma which is essential for efficacy of a further reconstructive operation.

Delayed diagnosis of ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis despite intraoperative cystoscopy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Routine intraoperative cystoscopy is often advocated to improve the diagnosis of ureteral obstruction in gynecologic surgery. It is possible for ureteral obstruction to occur in the immediate postoperative period and thus can be missed by cystoscopy.

CASE

A patient had an anterior vaginal repair and transobturator sling. Intraoperative cystoscopy showed no abnormalities and demonstrated ureteral patency. Subsequently she developed unilateral hydronephrosis. Cystoscopy is advocated in similar cases but is not certain to rule out the occurrence of hydronephrosis in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Even if cystoscopy is performed routinely following gynecologic surgery, hydronephrosis is still a possibility, and the diagnosis should not be dismissed out of hand.

Obstructive urolithiasis, unilateral hydronephrosis, and probable nephrolithiasis in a 12-year-old Clydesdale gelding

A 12-year-old Clydesdale gelding was presented for colic and dysuria. Obstructive urolithiasis and chronic renal disease were diagnosed via transurethral endoscopy and percutaneous ultrasonography. Nephroliths, hydronephrosis, and peri-ureteral fibrosis were present. Surgical intervention was declined and the gelding was managed medically with antibiotics and dietary modification.

Management of fetal hydronephrosis

Prenatally detected hydronephrosis has become a common diagnosis for both pediatric nephrologists and urologists. Hydronephrosis is most commonly assessed by the Society for Fetal Urology grading system or anterior-posterior diameter of the renal pelvis in the transverse plane. Some cases of bilateral obstruction, most commonly from posterior urethral valves, can be life-threatening and require close monitoring or, occasionally, fetal intervention. The majority are unilateral and of no threat to the growing fetus. The crux of postnatal management is the separation of the minority of patients whose renal function is at risk from the majority who will suffer no renal consequences. This management involves a regimen of ultrasounds, voiding cystourethrograms, and nuclear renograms for diagnosis and surveillance. Recent literature has been aimed at the timing and necessity of these studies in order to minimize extraneous studies without compromising renal function.

[A boy with cyclic vomiting and an alleged furosemide allergy on the basis of a subpelvic stenosis]

An 8-year-old boy, known with a Diamond-Blackfan anaemia, was admitted to the hospital because of frequent vomiting since 3 days and loin pain. In previous years, he had been admitted several times for the same complaints but no cause had been identified. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen performed at admittance showed dilatation of the left renal pelvis. A renal scintigraphy was discussed with the mother, and she refused the injection of furosemide, because her son was allegedly allergic to furosemide: previous furosemide treatments during blood transfusions for his anaemia had always resulted in stomach-ache and vomiting, which may be attributed, however, to an acute dilatation of the renal pelvis due to the diuretic effect of furosemide. Scintigraphy without furosemide showed a significant obstruction and asymmetric renal function, so a pyeloplasty was performed after which he has been symptom-free. In patients with cyclic vomiting, an intermittent uretero-pelvic junction obstruction should be considered and can only be ruled out when ultrasound during the complaints and renal scintigraphy under adequate hydration and after furosemide are normal.

[Importance of different imaging methods in diagnosis of significant urodynamically uretropelvic junction obstruction in children with congenital hydronephrosis]

There are many controversies related to diagnosis of significant urodynamically uretropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children with congenital hydronephrosis (CHN). We compared three imaging methods: ultrasonography (US), diuretic renography (DR) and urography. We studied 23 children with CHN in mean age 6.8 +/- 10.4 months. Despite similar antero-posterior kidney diameter in US, an obstruction of urinary flow was seen significantly more often in urography than in DR. Agreement between DR and urography was noticed only in 32% of the kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of UPJO in small children can be very difficult. An obstruction of urinary flow in DR can be associated not only with UPJO, but with immaturity of kidney and distensibility of the renal pelvis. Urography for imaging of CHN in small children can cause overdiagnosis of urodynamically significant UPJO and therefore too early surgical treatment.