Ureteral iliac artery fistula in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: A case report
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Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
Published on: April 25, 2025
Eugenio Di Grazia1, Tiziana La Malfa, Gherardo Gasso
1U.O.C. di Urologia - ARNAS Garibaldi-Nesima, Catania. eugeniodigrazia@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Ureter-arterial fistula (UAF) is an uncommon condition. The presentation is usually a life-threatening intermittent massive gross hematuria and the diagnosis is still a challenge for urologist. Idiopathic Retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a condition of unknown etiology characterized by a highly fibrotic retroperitoneal mass that frequently causes ureteral obstruction. To our knowledge we report the first case describing the UAF in a patient suffering from IRF. We hypothesize that inflammation and fibrosis resulted in fixation of the ureter to the adjacent artery causing a fistulous path. UAF was managed by deploying a 10 x 59 mm endo-graft at the intersection of common iliac artery bifurcation with the right ureter. Post treatment course was uneventful.

