An H-shaped complete ureteric duplication: embryology or erosion

Ashan Jayasekera1, Heidi Tempest, Sunil Kumar

  • 1Department of Urology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. ashanoncall@gmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|June 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary

This study describes a previously unreported anatomical variant of the urinary collecting system. The authors report a case where the urinary tract forms an H-shaped duplication with a single chamber about 2 cm proximal to the bladder and separate drainage into the bladder via distinct ureteric orifices. This configuration has not been previously documented in the literature. The findings suggest a unique embryological development pathway that deviates from typical duplication patterns. The anatomical variant may influence diagnostic imaging and surgical planning in affected individuals. The novelty of the case highlights the need for expanded anatomical studies and further research to understand the functional implications of this duplication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Concept Videos

Ureters01:22

Ureters

The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters01:11

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
Kidney Structure01:45

Kidney Structure

The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney01:12

Internal Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, performing a myriad of tasks that maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...