Appearances of the circumcaval ureter on excretory urography and MR urography: A single-center case series

Abstract

Objectives:To describe Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU) appearances of the circumcaval ureter, a rare congenital cause of hydronephrosis.Materials and Methods:Seven cases of circumcaval ureter, suspected on intravenous urography (IVU), underwent subsequent static MRU using heavily T2-weighted sequences.Results:The various appearances of circumcaval ureter on IVU and MRU were studied and compared. The circumcaval portion of the ureter was especially well seen on axial MRU sections, though this portion was routinely not visualized on IVU. In one case with a ureteric calculus, MRU also depicted a circumcaval course of the ureter, thus providing a complete diagnosis. In yet another case, where a circumcaval ureter was suspected on IVU, MRU proved the actual cause of ureteric obstruction to be a crossing vessel.Conclusion:Static MRU using heavily T2-weighted coronal and axial sequences can make or exclude the diagnosis of circumcaval ureter unequivocally.

Circumcaval Ureter—the Paradigm Shift in Diagnosis and Management

“…In 2002, Uthappa et al reported the potential of MRI to diagnose circumcaval ureter with equal effectiveness of spiral CT but without the radiation risk [13]. The same has been confirmed by Muthusami et al [14]. MRI can also be used in those patients with poor renal function as MR urogram, in pregnant women and in children.…”

Retrocaval ureter: a rare cause of urinary tract obstruction

“…Hence, it can be combined with antegrade and ascending urography to confirm the diagnosis but is an invasive procedure. [11][12][13] Abdominopelvic CT scan is helpful in excluding these conditions. Spiral CT scan may define ureter and inferior vena cava anomalies and is considered as an investigation of choice.…”

Circumcaval Ureter: An Extremely Rare Vascular Anomaly Causing Hdroureteronephrosis: Case Report

“…In 2002, Uthappa et al reported the potential of MRI to diagnose circumcaval ureter with equal effectiveness of spiral CT but without the radiation risk (Uthappa et al, 2002). The same has been confirmed by (Muthusami & Ramesh, 2013). MRI can also be used in those patients with poor renal function as MR urogram in pregnant women and children.…”