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Vesico-ureteric junction stone

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left flank pain radiating to the groin and hematuria.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

1 cm calculus at the left VUJ, with a dilated distal ureter.

Marked acoustic shadowing from the calcific stone.

Annotated image

Vesicoureteric junction calculus (red arrow) with marked acoustic shadowing (blue arrow).

U =  the dilated distal ureter.

Case Discussion

The vesicoureteric junction is the commonest place in the ureter for a stone to obstruct the urinary tract.

This stone is within the short narrow intra-vesical component of the ureter - hanging on for dear life!

The acoustic shadowing is well demonstrated along with the dilatation of the distal ureter.

The majority of stones, once they have reached this far, will pass into the bladder with conservative management.

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