Uro-lymphatic fistula associated with urolithiasis: A case report

Keisuke Tsuboi1, Tetsuya Katsumori1, Daichi Mino1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Saiseikai Shiga Hospital, Ohashi 2-4-1, Ritto, Shiga, 520-3046, Japan.

Radiology Case Reports
|March 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Uro-lymphatic fistulas, rare conditions connecting the renal collecting and lymphatic systems, can cause chyluria. This case highlights a uro-lymphatic fistula potentially linked to urolithiasis, offering insights into rare urinary tract disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Nephrology
  • Lymphatic System Research

Background:

  • Uro-lymphatic fistulas are uncommon communications between the renal collecting system and lymphatic vessels.
  • These fistulas often result from lymphatic vessel obstruction due to various underlying diseases.
  • Chyluria, the presence of chyle in urine, is a common manifestation of uro-lymphatic fistulas.

Observation:

  • This report details a specific case of a patient diagnosed with a uro-lymphatic fistula.
  • The patient's condition was evaluated for potential contributing factors.
  • The fistula was considered in the context of the patient's overall health and medical history.

Findings:

  • A uro-lymphatic fistula was identified in the patient.
  • The fistula was preliminarily associated with the presence of urolithiasis (kidney stones).
  • This association suggests a potential link between urinary calculi and the development of uro-lymphatic fistulas.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to the limited understanding of uro-lymphatic fistula etiology.
  • It suggests urolithiasis as a possible, though rare, cause or contributing factor for uro-lymphatic fistulas.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms connecting urolithiasis and lymphatic system abnormalities in the urinary tract.

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