Multimodality imaging of ureteric disease.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• The ureter, comprising proximal, middle, and distal segments, is susceptible to benign and malignant lesions.
• These lesions can arise from contiguous spread from the kidney or bladder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of benign, malignant, neoplastic, and nonneoplastic processes affecting the ureter.
• To discuss the various imaging modalities used for ureteral evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of medical literature on ureteral pathology and imaging.
• Discussion of anatomical segments: proximal (ureteropelvic junction to sacroiliac joint), middle (over bony pelvis/iliac vessels), and distal (iliac vessels to bladder).

Main Results:

• Ureteral lesions can be benign or malignant, often involving contiguous spread.
• Imaging techniques include CT, MRI, direct pyelography (antegrade/retrograde), nuclear medicine diuretic scans, and voiding cystourethrography.

Conclusions:

• A thorough understanding of ureteral anatomy and pathology is crucial for diagnosis.
• Multiple imaging modalities aid in the detection and characterization of ureteral diseases.