Renal Agenesis with Full Length Ipsilateral Refluxing Ureter

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Congenital Abnormalities
• Nephrology

Background:

• Unilateral renal agenesis (URA) is the congenital absence of one kidney.
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the abnormal backward flow of urine from the bladder to the ureters or kidneys.
• The combination of URA with a refluxing, non-functioning ureter is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old boy presented with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Imaging studies revealed no renal tissue on the left side, consistent with URA.
• Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) demonstrated a left-sided, refluxing, and blind-ending ureter.

Findings:

• The patient's recurrent UTIs were attributed to the refluxing system associated with URA.
• Surgical intervention was deemed necessary to address the chronic infection source.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis of recurrent UTIs in children.
• Ureterectomy can be an effective treatment for managing recurrent UTIs in the setting of a non-functioning, refluxing ureter associated with URA.
• Further research into the embryological basis of this rare association may provide insights into prevention or improved management strategies.