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Gigantic ureteral diverticulum or pelvic cyst?
Andjelka Slavkovic1, Nikola Vacic, Zorica Jovanovic
1Clinic for Pediatric Surgery, 18000 Nis, Serbia.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|September 21, 2011
Summary
This case report details a rare ureteral diverticulum in a young boy, potentially linked to maternal fenoterol use during pregnancy. This finding highlights a possible environmental influence on congenital urinary tract anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Ureteral diverticulum is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly of the urinary tract.
- Few cases have been documented in medical literature, making its etiology and presentation poorly understood.
Observation:
- A 3.5-year-old boy presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection, infrequent voiding, and straining.
- Initial imaging revealed a cystic pelvic mass, but surgical exploration identified a large ureteral cystic structure.
- This structure communicated with both the upper (ureteropelvic) and lower (ureterovesical) portions of the ureter.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed the cystic structure as a true ureteral diverticulum, characterized by the presence of a smooth muscle layer.
- The patient's mother received fenoterol for preterm labor prevention during pregnancy.
- Fenoterol is known to decrease the frequency and amplitude of upper urinary tract contractions.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between maternal fenoterol exposure and the development of ureteral diverticulum in offspring.
- Further research is warranted to explore the teratogenic effects of beta-adrenergic agonists on fetal urinary tract development.
- This report contributes to the limited understanding of ureteral diverticulum and its potential contributing factors.
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