Digital Fluoroscopic Excretory Urography, Digital Fluoroscopic Urethrography, Helical Computed Tomography, and Cystoscopy in 24 Dogs with Suspected Ureteral Ectopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of helical computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ectopic ureters in the dog and to compare these findings with those of digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and digital fluoroscopic urethrography. Ureteral ectopia was confirmed or disproved based on findings from cystoscopy and exploratory surgery or post-mortem examination. Of 24 dogs (20 female, 4 male) evaluated, 17 had ureteral ectopia. Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and CT correctly identified ureteral ectopic status and site of ureteral ectopia (P .05). Urethrography did not reliably detect ureteral ectopia. No false-positive diagnoses of ureteral ectopia were made in any of the imaging studies. Cystoscopic findings significantly agreed with findings during surgery in determining ureteral ectopic status and ectopic ureter site. One false-positive cystoscopic diagnosis of unilateral ureteral ectopia was made in a male dog. Kappa statistics showed better agreement between CT and both cystoscopy and surgical or postmortem examination findings with regard to presence and site of ureteral ectopia compared with other imaging techniques. CT was more useful than other established diagnostic imaging techniques for diagnosing canine ureteral ectopia.

Comparison of two surgical techniques for management of intramural ureteral ectopia in dogs: 36 cases (1994–2004)

“…There is recent evidence to suggest that cystoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography may provide more information regarding the anatomic variations of the genitourinary tract in dogs with ureteral ectopia than do more traditional diagnostic techniques, such as contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and surgical exploration. 19,20 However, there is little, if any, information regarding the histologic appearance of the urogenital tract in dogs with ureteral ectopia. More detailed knowledge of the anatomic and histologic appearance of the genitourinary tract in dogs with ureteral ectopia may provide us with a greater understanding of the functional mechanisms underlying urinary incontinence in these dogs and, thus, allow us to formulate improved techniques, both medical and surgical, for managing these cases.…”

What Is Your Diagnosis?

“…1 Other diagnostic tests that are useful (particularly when the ureterocele is filled with contrast on excretory urography) include ultrasonography, cystoscopy, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and urodynamic evaluation. 2,3 Additional diagnostic testing may have been helpful in this dog to further characterize the anatomy of the ureterocele and ectopic ureter as well as to evaluate the functional status of both kidneys; however, funding was not available.…”

Computed tomographic excretory urography features of intramural ectopic ureters in 10 dogs

“…Computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) is the imaging modality of choice for detection of EUs in dogs and humans with a sensitivity of up to 91% documented in dogs (Samii et al . 2004 ).…”

“…CTEU is preferred over other imaging modalities because of the avoidance of superimposition, increased spatial and contrast resolution and the ability to generate 3D reconstructions. CTEU also provides additional information regarding renal anatomy when compared to radiography and cystography (Samii et al . 2004 ).…”