Chronic, Gross Hematuria Caused by Idiopathic Ureteric Stricture
1Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University at Kingston Health Science Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada robert.myette@queensu.ca.
Insights
A 10-year-old boy experienced 5 years of chronic hematuria (blood in urine), leading to anemia and distress. An idiopathic ureteric stricture was diagnosed and treated with stenting, resolving the hematuria and improving his well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Nephrology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic gross hematuria in children can be challenging to diagnose.
- Prolonged diagnostic workups can cause significant psychosocial distress.
- Differential diagnoses included nutcracker phenomenon.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with 5 years of daily gross hematuria.
- Extensive workup, including renal biopsy, was inconclusive.
- Severe iron deficiency anemia and psychosocial distress were noted.
Findings:
- Idiopathic unilateral ureteric stricture was identified upon closer ureteral inspection.
- Eight weeks of ureteral stenting led to complete resolution of hematuria.
Implications:
- Ureteric strictures should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pediatric hematuria.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions can alleviate patient distress.
- Successful stenting offers a minimally invasive treatment option for ureteric strictures.
Abstract:
An otherwise healthy, 10-year-old boy presented with chronic, gross hematuria. This persisted daily for 5 years despite extensive multidisciplinary workup with renal biopsy and resulted in severe iron deficiency anemia. The extensive workup and requirement for routine follow-up, investigations, and procedures led to significant psychosocial distress for the patient. Initially, it was thought the patient had a nutcracker phenomenon, but on closer inspection of his ureters, an idiopathic, unilateral ureteric stricture was discovered and, after 8 weeks of stenting, resulted in complete resolution of the hematuria. Importantly, the patient's psychosocial distress resolved after resolution of the hematuria and with the closure that came with a diagnosis.
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