Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis associated with carcinoma of renal pelvis

Ureteral diverticula in two dogs

We describe ureteral diverticula in two dogs and briefly review the related literature. The diagnosis of this condition is radiographic and based on the excretory urographic observation of multiple ureteral outpouchings. Pathologically, ureteral transitional cell hyperplasia and mucinous metaplasia result in submucosal proliferation of the urothelium and the formation of crypts and small cysts. Ureteral diverticulosis in humans is associated with an increased risk of urothelial malignancies, such as transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Clinically, both dogs were older, small breed neutered females. Both had a history of chronic urinary obstruction. One dog died during surgery to remove an adrenal mass, and the other was euthanized at the owner's request because of an inoperable bladder neoplasm. Histopathologic diagnosis of ureteral lesions confirmed the radiographic diagnosis of ureteral diverticula in both dogs.

Multiple ureteral diverticula: a possible radiographically demonstrable risk factor in development of transitional cell carcinoma

Six cases of multiple ureteral diverticula are reported. Most were associated with urinary tract obstruction or stasis and infection. One-third had transitional cell carcinoma, a frequency similar to that reported in previous series. These diverticula are a radiographically demonstrable reflection of urothelial hyperplasia/metaplasia and may represent a risk factor for development of transitional cell carcinoma.