[Spontaneous rupture of the ureter]

A case of spontaneous rupture of the ureter initially presented as left acute abdomen in a 71 year old woman is described. A review of the literature has disclosed that in all reported cases a process directly or indirectly leading to the rupture was identified. On the basis of the clinical evolution and the radiological investigations the Authors discuss the diagnosis and the pathogenesis of the observed ureteral rupture.