Preureteric vena cava or retrocaval ureter is an uncommon congenital anomaly where the right ureter runs behind and medial to the inferior vena cava (IVC) due to dysgenesis of the IVC. This abnormality has been diagnosed using computed tomography urography (CTU), nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasound, intravenous urography, and magnetic resonance urography (MRU). When the illness manifests symptoms, surgery, either open or laparoscopic, is used to treat it.[1]
| Preureteric vena cava | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Retrocaval ureter. Circumcaval ureter |
| Specialty | Urology, obstetrics and gynaecology  |
Signs and symptoms
editThe majority of patients who exhibit symptoms do so because of flank or abdominal pain, which is typically caused by ureteric obstruction and related hydronephrosis. This pain can be intermittent, dull, and aching. Hematuria and recurrent UTIs are possible presentations for some patients. Pyonephrosis and renal calculi could make the situation worse. A few cases are unintentionally discovered while doing radiographic imaging for other ailments.[2]
Treatment
editThere are two types of surgical management available for the retrocaval ureter: open and laparoscopic. These consist of ureteroureteral reanastomosis over a double-J stent along with or with no resection of the stenotic retrocaval segment, division of the dilated renal pelvis alongside transposition and reanastomosis, and ligation or transection of the IVC with or with no reanastomosis.[1]
Epidemiology
editThe prevalence is roughly 1 in 1500, with a 3:1 male-to-female ratio.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Bhattacharjee, Saikat; Sanga, Sunil; Gupta, Pooja; George, R.A. (2016). "Retrocaval ureter or preureteral vena cava: Lest we forget this rare cause of hydronephrosis". Medical Journal Armed Forces India. 72 (Suppl 1). Elsevier BV: S77–S79. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2016.08.004. ISSN 0377-1237. PMC 5192223. PMID 28050077.
- ^ Kyei, M Y; Yeboah, E D; Klufio, G O; Mensah, J E; Gepi-Atee, S; Zakpaa, L; Morton, B; Adusei, B (2011). "Retrocaval Ureter: Two Case Reports". Ghana Medical Journal. 45 (4). Ghana Medical Association: 177–180. PMC 3283090. PMID 22359425.
Further reading
edit- Hassan, Radhiana; Aziz, Azian Abd; Mohamed, Siti Kamariah Che (2011). "Retrocaval Ureter: The Importance of Intravenous Urography". The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences. 18 (4). School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia: 84–87. PMC 3328936. PMID 22589677.
- Carrion, Hernan (1981). "Retrocaval Ureter: Diagnosis and Management". The Ureter. New York, NY: Springer New York. pp. 647–652. doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-5907-7_30. ISBN 978-1-4612-5909-1.