[Retrocaval ureter: a rare differential diagnostic possibility in a suspicion of appendicitis]

The retrocaval ureter is a rare malformation and may simulate acute appendicitis. Diagnosis shoud be made by a lateral X-ray view of the inferior vena cava and the ureter simultaneously. Surgical treatment is mandatory in the case of flank pain and consists of nephrectomy or dismembered pyeloplasty in front of the vena cava inferior or finally, dismembered angioplasty of the vena cava inferior behind the ureter.