Retrocaval ureter: two case reports

Ghana Med J. 2011 Dec;45(4):177-80.

Abstract

Retrocaval ureter also referred to as pre-ureteral vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly with the ureter passing posterior to the inferior vena cava. Though it is a congenital anomaly, patients do not normally present with symptoms until the 3rd and 4th decades of life from a resulting hydronephrosis. We present the first two cases to be reported in Ghana; a 36-year-old male and a 40-year-old female both with right flank pains and associated right hydronephrosis. Diagnoses were confirmed with retrograde ureteropyelogram and both had an open surgical repair of the anomaly.

Keywords: Retrocaval ureter; flank pain; hydronephrosis; pyeloureteric anastomosis; retrograde ureteropyelogram.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydronephrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydronephrosis / etiology*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Ureter / abnormalities*
  • Ureter / diagnostic imaging