Congenital Urinary Pathologies Flashcards

Flashcards designed for review and recall on congenital urinary pathologies.

What does 'congenital pathology' mean?

A condition that develops in utero.

How are many congenital urinary pathologies discovered?

Incidentally during imaging.

What is the most common congenital urinary anomaly?

Duplex collecting system.

What structures can be duplicated in a duplex system?

Renal pelvis, calyces, ureters, bladder insertion.

What causes duplication of the urinary system?

Incomplete fusion of kidney poles during development.

What is incomplete duplication?

Partial duplication with ureters joining before bladder.

What is complete duplication?

Two separate ureters entering the bladder.

What is the key problem in complete duplication?

Abnormal ureter insertion.

What complication results from abnormal ureter insertion?

Vesicoureteral reflux.

Why does reflux occur in duplication anomalies?

Absence of a proper ureteral valve.

What condition commonly forms in complete duplication?

Ureterocele.

Are duplex systems usually symptomatic?

No, unless complications occur.

What is the best imaging for duplication anomalies?

Contrast CT (excretory phase).

What does CT show in duplication?

Anatomy, function, and complications.

What is a limitation of plain radiography in duplication?

Cannot assess function.

What is an ectopic kidney?

A kidney located in an abnormal position.

What causes renal ectopia?

Failure of kidney ascent during development.

What is a pelvic kidney?

Kidney that failed to ascend.

What is a thoracic kidney?

Kidney that over-ascended into chest.

What is a cross-fused kidney?

Kidney crosses midline and fuses with the other.

Why are ectopic kidneys more prone to injury?

Abnormal location exposes them to trauma.

What complication is common in ectopic kidneys?

Hydronephrosis.

Why does hydronephrosis occur in ectopic kidneys?

Abnormal orientation impairs urine flow.

How is ectopic kidney often first detected?

Ultrasound.

What is the best imaging for ectopic kidney assessment?

Contrast CT.

What is the most common fusion anomaly?

Horseshoe kidney.

What part of the kidneys fuse in horseshoe kidney?

Lower poles.

What is the connecting structure called?

Isthmus.

Why do horseshoe kidneys remain low in the abdomen?

Inferior mesenteric artery blocks ascent.

How is the renal pelvis oriented in horseshoe kidney?

Faces anteriorly.

What urinary complication is common in horseshoe kidney?

Urinary stasis.

What can urinary stasis lead to?

Stones and hydronephrosis.

What syndromes are associated with horseshoe kidney?

Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.

What imaging best demonstrates horseshoe kidney?

CT or MRI.

What imaging pitfall can occur with ultrasound?

Isthmus mistaken for a mass.

What is a ureterocele?

Cyst-like dilation of distal ureter near UVJ.

What causes a ureterocele?

Narrowing (stenosis) near UVJ.

What is the classic imaging sign of ureterocele?

Cobra head sign.

Why does a ureterocele lead to complications?

Urine stasis and obstruction.

What complications can arise from ureterocele?

Infection, stones, hydroureter, renal failure.