Ureter Pathologies Flashcards

These flashcards cover essential concepts regarding ureter pathology, including anatomy, conditions, pathophysiology, imaging techniques, and treatment.

Where are the ureters located anatomically?

Retroperitoneal, running posteriorly from kidneys to bladder.

What is the function of the ureters?

Transport urine from kidneys to the bladder.

Why are ureters prone to obstruction?

They have natural curves and narrow points.

What does 'hydronephrosis' mean?

Dilation of the kidney due to urine buildup.

What does 'hydroureter' mean?

Dilation of the ureter due to urine buildup.

What is hydroureteronephrosis?

Dilation of both ureter and kidney.

What is the underlying cause of hydronephrosis/hydroureter?

Urinary tract obstruction.

What is the most common cause of obstruction?

Renal calculi (kidney stones).

What metabolic condition can cause obstruction?

Hyperparathyroidism.

How can infection cause hydroureter/hydronephrosis?

Weakens ureterovesical junction → reflux.

How can tumors cause obstruction?

External compression of ureter.

What type of cause involves developmental abnormalities?

Congenital.

What happens upstream of an obstruction?

Increased pressure → dilation.

What determines whether dilation is unilateral or bilateral?

Location of obstruction.

What causes unilateral dilation?

Obstruction above the bladder.

What causes bilateral dilation?

Obstruction below the bladder (e.g., urethra).

What happens if hydronephrosis is untreated?

Renal atrophy and loss of function.

What severe outcome can result from prolonged obstruction?

Renal failure.

What is a common pain symptom of hydronephrosis?

Flank pain.

What urinary finding may occur?

Hematuria.

What indicates infection involvement?

Fever and pyuria.

What is the first-line imaging for hydronephrosis?

Ultrasound.

Why is ultrasound preferred initially?

No radiation, no contrast needed.

What imaging detects obstruction in ~90% of cases?

Non-contrast CT.

What do contrast studies show in hydronephrosis?

Function + dilation + calyceal clubbing.

What happens to the kidney in severe hydronephrosis on imaging?

Enlarged kidney with dilated collecting system.

Why does hydronephrosis occur in pregnancy?

Enlarged uterus compresses ureters.

Is pregnancy-related hydronephrosis unilateral or bilateral?

Usually bilateral (more on right).

Does pregnancy-related hydronephrosis resolve?

Yes, after delivery.

What is the primary goal of treatment?

Relieve obstruction.

What is an emergency intervention for severe obstruction?

Percutaneous nephrostomy.

What does a nephrostomy do?

Drains urine directly from kidney.

What is vesicoureteral reflux?

Backward flow of urine from bladder to ureters.

What are the two main causes of VUR?

Congenital and inflammatory.

What congenital defect causes VUR?

Malformed ureteral valves.

How do infections cause VUR?

Repeated UTIs weaken valve function.

What is the normal function of ureteral valves?

Prevent backflow during urination.

What happens when valves fail?

Urine flows backward into ureters.

Why does VUR increase infection risk?

Urine stagnates and is not fully cleared.

What is the gold standard imaging for VUR?

Voiding cystourethrography (VCU).