Duplicated pyelocaliceal system with partial duplication of ureter

Description

Duplicated ureter is a congenital condition in which the ureteric bud, the embryological origin of the ureter, splits resulting in two ureters draining a single kidney (figure 1). It is the most common renal abnormality, occurring in approximately 1% of the population.^{1 2} Duplicated ureter is more common in women. Ureteral duplication is either partial, that is, the two ureters drain into the bladder via a single common ureter or complete in which two ureters drain separately. It can be associated with a variety of congenital genitourinary abnormalities. They are usually asymptomatic and detected incidentally on imaging studies. Excretory urographic findings are almost always diagnostic. Double ureter and duplex system have potential for future complications, such as the collecting system obstruction, lithiasis, ureterocele and vesicoureteral reflux.³ The early detection of the anomalies are helpful in avoiding complications related to the duplex collecting system.

Figure 1.

Intravenous urography showing left sided hydronephrotic duplex pyelocaliceal system with partial duplication of the ureter.

Learning points.

• Developmental anomalies of the kidney, ureter and urinary bladder can lead to complications which are preventable.

• Early detection of the anomalies can avoid complications related to the duplex collecting system.