Ureteral fibroepithelial polyp causing urinary obstruction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Urologic Pathology

Background:

• Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a common cause of hydronephrosis in children.
• Obstructive uropathy in pediatric patients is frequently attributed to congenital anomalies or calculi.
• Ureteral polyps are uncommon benign intraluminal ureteral masses.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of UPJ obstruction.
• Imaging revealed intraureteral calcification at the UPJ and hydronephrosis.
• A retrograde pyelogram demonstrated a filling defect consistent with a ureteral polyp causing partial obstruction.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with a ureteral polyp causing UPJ obstruction.
• The polyp mimicked the presentation of a more common obstructive urinary stone.
• Histopathological confirmation of the ureteral polyp was obtained.

Implications:

• Ureteral polyps represent a rare but significant differential diagnosis for pediatric UPJ obstruction.
• Atypical presentations of UPJ obstruction warrant consideration of less common etiologies.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of ureteral polyps are crucial for appropriate management and prevention of renal damage.