Circumcaval ureter
Updates to Article Attributes
A circumcavalCircumcaval ureter, oralso known as retrocaval ureter, is a term used to describe an abnormal coarse of a ureter that encircling the inferior vena cava. Both of these terms are somewhat misleading, as this configuration is considered a developmental anomaly of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Unfortunately both terms suggest that the ureter is at fault, whereas in reality it is the IVC. They of two types:
- high loop
- low loop
Clinical presentation
Many patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic. Depending on the degree of compression patients may develop partial right ureteral obstruction or recurrent urinary tract infections due to urinary stasis.
Pathology
This congenital abnormality occurs as a result of the right supracardinal system failing to develop normally. The right posterior cardinal vein persists, and therefore ends up passing in front of the ureter.
With one reported exception, the anomaly always occurs on the right side, as this is the side of the normal IVC.
Radiographic features
The proximal ureter courses posterior to the IVC, then emerges to the right of the aorta, coming to lie anterior to the right iliac vessels. Any chosen imaging modality will usually show a right hydroureteronephrosis above the segment embracing the IVC.
Treatment and prognosis
If treatment is required, surgical relocation of the ureter anterior to the IVC can be performed.
-<p>A <strong>circumcaval ureter</strong>, or <strong>retrocaval ureter</strong>, is a<a href="/articles/caval-variants-1"> developmental anomaly of the inferior vena cava</a> (IVC). Unfortunately both terms suggest that the <a href="/articles/ureter">ureter</a> is at fault, whereas in reality it is the IVC. They are of two types:</p><ol>- +<p><strong>Circumcaval ureter</strong>, also known as <strong>retrocaval ureter</strong>, is a term used to describe an abnormal coarse of a ureter that encircling the inferior vena cava. Both of these terms are somewhat misleading, as this configuration is considered a <a href="/articles/caval-variants-1">developmental anomaly of the inferior vena cava</a> (IVC). There are two types:</p><ul>
-</ol><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Many patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic. Depending on the degree of compression patients may develop partial right ureteral obstruction or recurrent <a href="/articles/urinary-tract-infection">urinary tract infections</a> due to urinary stasis. </p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>This congenital abnormality occurs as a result of the right supracardinal system failing to develop normally. The right posterior cardinal vein persists, and therefore ends up passing in front of the ureter. </p><p>With one reported exception, the anomaly always occurs on the right side, as this is the side of the normal IVC. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>The proximal ureter courses posterior to the IVC, then emerges to the right of the aorta, coming to lie anterior to the right iliac vessels. Any chosen imaging modality will usually show a right <a href="/articles/hydronephrosis">hydroureteronephrosis</a> above the segment embracing the IVC.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>If treatment is required, surgical relocation of the ureter anterior to the IVC can be performed. </p>- +</ul><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Many patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic. Depending on the degree of compression patients may develop partial right ureteral obstruction or recurrent <a href="/articles/urinary-tract-infection">urinary tract infections</a> due to urinary stasis. </p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>This congenital abnormality occurs as a result of the right supracardinal system failing to develop normally. The right posterior cardinal vein persists, and therefore ends up passing in front of the ureter. </p><p>With one reported exception, the anomaly always occurs on the right side, as this is the side of the normal IVC. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>The proximal ureter courses posterior to the IVC, then emerges to the right of the aorta, coming to lie anterior to the right iliac vessels. Any chosen imaging modality will usually show a right <a href="/articles/hydronephrosis">hydroureteronephrosis</a> above the segment embracing the IVC.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>If treatment is required, surgical relocation of the ureter anterior to the IVC can be performed. </p>