Giant infravesical stone with recurrent infection

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can significantly impact quality of life.
• Undiagnosed causes of chronic UTIs warrant thorough investigation.

Observation:

• A 54-year-old woman experienced a decade of recurrent UTIs.
• Physical exam revealed a hard mass in the anterior vaginal wall.
• Pelvic radiography and CT identified a large calculus (4cm x 3cm) within a urethral diverticulum.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention involved transvaginal diverticulectomy and calculus removal.
• The patient experienced complete resolution of urinary symptoms post-surgery.

Implications:

• Urethral diverticula containing calculi are a potential cause of chronic UTIs.
• Successful surgical management can lead to long-term symptom relief.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare anatomical abnormalities in refractory UTI cases.