Unravelling the case of suspected ectopic ureter in a young adult patient

An ectopic ureter (EU) opens outside the bladder's trigone, a rare condition with an incidence of 0.05%-0.025%. It often causes continuous urine leakage and frequent urination, particularly in females. Diagnosing EU is challenging, as conventional radiologic techniques often fail to identify it accurately. Excretory urography and magnetic resonance urography are more effective in visualizing the ectopic insertion of the ureter. This study reports a rare case of suspected ectopic ureter in an adult and reviews the radiologic diagnostic approach. A 26-year-old female presented with lifelong incontinence. She reported constant dribbling and required frequent pad changes. Physical examination was normal, and she had no fever or pain. Imaging revealed a dilated and tortuous right ureter inserting into the vagina, indicating a suspected ectopic ureter. Ectopic ureter is a rare congenital anomaly of the urinary system, often associated with other anomalies or syndromes. It commonly presents with incontinence, but symptoms can vary from asymptomatic to renal failure. Radiologic examination is crucial for diagnosing this condition.