A RARE CASE OF RETROCAVAL URETER

Abstract

A case of retrocaval ureter belonging to group V. by Nielsen's classification is reported. A 37-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria. The diagnosis of the retrocaval ureter was established by IVP, RP and venacavography. Excision of the posterior cardinal vein was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. And, in our case, there was the hemiazygos vein as a continuation of the anomalous IVC, which ultimately entered the azygos vein. Confirmation of the retrocaval ureter requires techniques that simultaneously delineate both the ureter and the vena cava. Inferior venacavography combined with ureteral catheterization is usually employed. Computed Tomography enables us to demonstrate a retrocaval ureter. In many cases this simple noninvasive technique may eliminate the need for the more invasive methods formerly used.