Magnetic Resonance Urography and X-ray Urography Findings of Congenital Megaureter

Objective To observe the imaging findings of congenital megaureter in order to enhance the understanding of this disease. Methods Image data of 5 patients with congenital megaureter and 2 misdiagnosed patients were analyzed, and image findings of congenital megaureter were summarized. Elscint Prestig 2.0T superconductive magnetic resonance urography （MRLI） with conventional sequence （spin-echo, T 1W1560 ms/16 ms; fast spin-echo, T2WI 9600 ms/96 ms） was performed. Raw data were acquired with fast spin-echo sequence from heavy T2-weighted image （9600 ms/120 ms）. Post-processing method of MRH was the maximum in- tensity projection with three-dimensional reconstruction in the workstation. Intravenous pyelography （IVP） was conducted, in which X-ray films were taken 7 minutes, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes after injecting contrast agent, except that in 2 patients the films were taken delayed at 60 and 90 minutes. X-ray retrograde pyelography was performed on 2 patients, successful in one but failed in the other. Results The dilated ureter showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images in conventional MRI. The mass wall was intact, uniform in thickness, and showing hy- pointensity on Tl-weighted and T2-weighted images. The MRH images showed a retroperitoneal mass appearing as an elongated tubular cystic structure spreading from kidney to bladder. MRLI also revealed dilated calices and renal pelvis, pelviureteric obstruction, and renal duplication. The main signs of congenital megaureter in X-urography was significant dilatation of ureter, or normal renal pelvis with ureter dilatation, hydronephrosis, deformity, and displacement. Conclusions MRH with X-urography could visualize the characteristics of congenital megaureter, including the dilation of renal pelvis and ureter, calculi, urinary tract duplication, and stenosis location. The two techniques can complement each other in disease diagnosis and provide more detailed information for preoperative treatment.

The Long Term Follow-Up Results of the Direct Nipple Ureteroneocystostomy Technique: A Prospective Study

Objective: To evaluate the long term follow-up results of the direct nipple ureteroneocystostomy technique. Materials and Methods: We studied a total of 16 patients (19 renal units) who underwent direct nipple ureteroneocystostomy. The mean age was 43 years and 3 patients had bilateral disease. In five units the ureters had been ligated during gynecological surgery, 11 renal units were obstructive and three units were reflexive megaureters. The ureters were spatulated for about 2 cm and folded back. Nipples 2 to 2.5 cm long were prepared. In two cases the ureters were thin-walled (2 mm or less) and they were not spatulated but folded back onto themselves. In one case the ureter could not be everted since it had a thick and fibrotic wall. The distal 2 to 2.5 cm segment of this ureter was directly inserted in to the bladder. Postoperative follow-up was at 3 month intervals for the first year at 6 month intervals for 2 - 3 years and yearly thereafter. At the time of follow-up serum creatinine, urine culture, ultrasound, intravenous urography, voiding cystoureterography, nuclear renal scintigraphy and cystometric evaluations were performed. The functions of 11 and 15 renal units were evaluated scintigraphically and stereologically, respectively, in the both preoperative and postoperative first year follow-up. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used for statistical evaluation and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean follow-up was 49 months. Three renal units had Grade III reflux (two of them during voiding) and one unit had Grade IV reflux. At follow-up this patient developed in the ureteral stricture. No patients had urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or ureteral stricture follow-up period. Between the preoperative and postoperative first year, there was an increase in postoperative split renal function based on renal scintigraphy but this difference was not statistically significant. The stereologically calculated decrease in pelvicaliceal dilatation was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ease of application and no need to taper or plicate the ureter or prepare a submucosal tunnel may be the reasons to consider the direct nipple ureteroneocystostomy technique for megaureters of different etiologies.

Postnatal management of antenatally detected hydronephrosis

With the increasing use of ultrasonography,congenital anomalies are often picked in utero.Antenatally detected hydronephrosis is amongst the most commonly detected abnormality.The management of this condition has raised considerable debate amongst clinicians dealing with it.This article is written with an idea to provide comprehensive information regarding the postnatal management of antenatally detected hydronephrosis.A detailed review of the current literature on this topic is provided.Also,guidelines have been given to facilitate the management of this condition.