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Ureteral pseudodiverticula: frequent association with uroepithelial malignancy
N F Wasserman1, G Zhang, I P Posalaky
1Department of Radiology (114), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Ureteral pseudodiverticula, small urinary tract outpouchings, are frequently linked to uroepithelial malignancy. These findings, even single ones, can indicate cancer years in advance, necessitating close patient follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ureteral pseudodiverticula are incidental findings during urinary tract imaging.
- Their association with uroepithelial malignancy is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of uroepithelial malignancy in patients with ureteral pseudodiverticula.
- To assess the significance of ureteral pseudodiverticula as a potential marker for urinary tract cancers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 37 patients diagnosed with ureteral pseudodiverticula.
- Evaluation included urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, and urography.
- Malignancy diagnosis confirmed via surgery or endoscopic biopsy.
Main Results:
- 17 out of 37 patients (46%) had associated uroepithelial malignancy.
- Malignancy was found in 78% of cases with a filling defect and 67% with a stricture.
- Pseudodiverticula preceded cancer diagnosis by 2-4 years in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Ureteral pseudodiverticula may be a more common marker for uroepithelial malignancy than previously thought.
- Even a single pseudodiverticulum warrants close follow-up due to potential malignancy.
- The presence of pseudodiverticula with strictures or filling defects strongly suggests malignancy.