Severe Ureteral Endometriosis Complicated with Hydronephrosis: A Case Report
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland).
The American Journal of Case Reports
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Ureteral endometriosis (UE) is a rare condition causing hydronephrosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and hormonal therapy, are crucial for managing this disease and preventing kidney function impairment.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Urology
- Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis involves endometrial tissue outside the uterus, potentially affecting pelvic organs.
- Ureteral endometriosis (UE) is a rare manifestation, characterized by deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter.
- UE can lead to ureteral obstruction, hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and impaired renal function, often with nonspecific symptoms.
Observation:
- A case report details a 42-year-old woman with incidentally discovered right hydronephrosis.
- The patient underwent surgical resection of a right ureteral mass, with pathology confirming endometriosis.
- Post-surgical treatment included gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and a levonorgestrel-releasing system.
Findings:
- The patient experienced no recurrence of ureteral endometriosis in the year following treatment.
- This case highlights the importance of considering UE in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hydronephrosis in women.
- Effective management involves active surgical intervention and long-term hormonal therapy.
Implications:
- Ureteral endometriosis should be considered in women of childbearing age presenting with unexplained hydronephrosis, especially those with dysmenorrhea.
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive management, combining surgical and hormonal treatments, are vital for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness among healthcare providers and patients is essential for timely intervention and improved prognosis in ureteral endometriosis.
