Circumcaval ureter
Updates to Article Attributes
A circumcaval ureter (or , or retrocaval ureter), is a developmental anomaly of the inferior vena cava. Unfortunately both terms suggest that the ureter is at fault, whereas in reality it is the IVC. They are of two types:
- high loop
- low loop
Epidemiology
This abnormality is congenital.
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.
EmbryologyPathology
This 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 infront 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. Any chosen imaging modality will usually show a right nephrohydroureterhydroureteronephrosis 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>. Unfortunately both terms suggest that the ureter is at fault, whereas in reality it is the IVC. They are of two types:</p><ol>- +<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>. Unfortunately both terms suggest that the ureter is at fault, whereas in reality it is the IVC. They are of two types:</p><ol>
-</ol><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>This abnormality is congenital. </p><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 urinary tract infections due to urinary stasis. </p><h4>Embryology</h4><p>This 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 infront 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 nephrohydroureter.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>If treatment is required, surgical relocation of the ureter anterior to the IVC can be performed. </p>- +</ol><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>This abnormality is congenital. </p><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 urinary tract infections due to urinary stasis. </p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>This 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 infront 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 title="Hydroureteronephrosis" 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>
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