Stones in orthotopic, non-obstructing ureteroceles

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Nephrology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Ureteroceles are congenital abnormalities of the ureter.
• Stones within ureteroceles are uncommon, especially in children.
• Infection is often associated with urinary stone formation.

Observation:

• A child presented with bilateral stones within orthotopic ureteroceles.
• The patient's urine was sterile at the time of diagnosis.
• This represents a unique presentation of ureterocele calculi.

Findings:

• The bilateral ureterocele stones occurred in the absence of urinary tract infection.
• This case challenges the typical association between infection and stone formation in ureteroceles.
• Literature review provides potential etiological hypotheses for sterile ureterocele stones.

Implications:

• This case may lead to a revised understanding of stone formation mechanisms in pediatric ureteroceles.
• Further research into non-infectious etiologies is warranted.
• Clinical management strategies for pediatric ureteroceles may need re-evaluation.