Idiopathic pelviureteric varices

Pelviureteric varices are well-documented sequelae of renal vein thrombosis, but there have been only 10 prior reports of idiopathic renal vein varicosities. Herein we report 3 more cases and review the literature. Two thirds of the patients presented with hematuria; one-fourth had flank pain, and one-third had saphenous vein varicosities. Pyelographic findings include scalloped deformities of the upper ureter and pelvis with displacement and intraluminal filling defects. The diagnosis may be suspected from the excretory urogram, but venography is definitive. Excision and ligation of the varicose veins were curative in all but 3 patients who required nephrectomy for life-threatening hemorrhage.