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Published on: June 21, 2024
Symptomatic calcification of subureteral collagen ten years after injection
Kenneth G Nepple1, Matthew J Knudson, Christopher S Cooper
1Division of Pediatric Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1089, USA.
Insights
Bovine collagen injections for urinary issues can rarely lead to ureteral calcifications. Endoscopic removal of these calcifications is a feasible treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Bovine glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen is an injectable bulking agent.
- It is used to treat urinary incontinence and vesicoureteral reflux.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female presented with hematuria and back pain.
- She had a history of left subureteral collagen injection at age 6.
- A 7-mm calcification was passed, and CT revealed two 2-mm hyperdense foci in the left ureterovesical junction.
Findings:
- Two submucosal calcifications were identified near the left ureteral orifice via cystoscopy.
- These calcifications were successfully removed endoscopically.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of collagen bulking agents.
- Endoscopic management is a viable option for treating ureteral calcifications post-injection.
Abstract:
Bovine glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen is an injectable bulking agent used to treat urinary incontinence and vesicoureteral reflux. A 16-year-old girl had previously undergone left subureteral injection of collagen at the age of 6 years. She presented to our clinic after passing a 7-mm calcification with a history of hematuria and intermittent back pain. Computed tomography showed two hyperdense foci measuring 2 mm each in the region of the left ureterovesical junction that did not change on follow-up imaging. On cystoscopy, two submucosal calcifications were located medially and inferiorly to the left ureteral orifice and were removed endoscopically.
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