[Controversial aspects of the genesis of megaureter]

The cause of congenital ureter dilatation as well as its nomenclature are controversial. The question arises as to whether there is a common denominator for this multiform syndrome. There are abundant possibilities of disturbance during the development of the ureter. The muscle coat of the developing fetal ureter reacts with an alteration of the wall structure. In view of the multiplicity of etiological factors which can affect the development of the ureter, a disturbance of intrauterine urinary drainage which is transient or permanent probably has a functional or mechanical basis. At any events, a subvesical obstruction, which may also be the cause, must be excluded.