An Interesting Case of Critical Spontaneous Ureteral Rupture

Spontaneous rupture of the ureter in an uncommon presentation. We present a case of an 85-year-old female patient with a past medical history significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia who presented to the emergency room (ER) due to abdominal pain and nausea. Computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis revealed proximal ureteral and ureteropelvic junction rupture with fluid within the left retroperitoneum and pelvis. No clear etiology was identified. The patient had a left percutaneous nephroureteral catheter tube (PNCT) placed in addition to being given broad-spectrum antibiotics for possible infection. She was noted to improve and was discharged with outpatient follow-up for tube removal. Our patient presented with a rupture of the ureter; however, the source remained elusive. CT scan assisted with the diagnosis but there is no evidence of hydronephrosis or mass. There are no clear treatment guidelines for spontaneous ureteral rupture as the presentation is rare. Treatment may involve percutaneous drainage and possibly antibiotics for concurrent infection. Surgical intervention may be required in cases where severe complications arise. Early diagnosis and management may prevent long-term morbidity and mortality.