Foetal Ureteric Calculus Producing Hydronephrosis and Hydroureter

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Prenatal Medicine
• Pediatric Nephrology

Background:

• Dilatation of the fetal urinary collecting system is a common prenatal finding.
• Causes of obstruction typically involve soft tissue abnormalities or developmental urinary tract issues.
• Prenatal diagnosis of ureteral calculi causing obstruction is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of fetal ureterolithiasis diagnosed prenatally.
• To discuss potential etiological factors for this rare condition.
• To highlight the implications of ureteral calculi on fetal renal development.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a unique prenatal diagnosis.
• Review of potential contributing factors, including maternal calcium administration.
• Assessment of fetal kidney morphology and amniotic fluid volume.

Main Results:

• A prenatal diagnosis of a ureteral calculus was made.
• The calculus caused significant ureteral and renal pelvis dilatation (hydroureter and hydronephrosis).
• Fetal kidneys were not dysplastic, and amniotic fluid volume was normal.

Conclusions:

• Fetal ureterolithiasis is a rare but significant cause of urinary tract obstruction.
• Antenatal calcium administration may be a potential contributing factor to nephrocalcinosis and calculus formation.
• This case underscores the importance of considering calculi in the differential diagnosis of fetal urinary tract dilatation.