Diagnosis of retrocaval ureter using urography ( a report of 15 cases)

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value and limitation of urography in retrocaval ureter.Methods 15 cases with retrocaval ureter confirmed by operation were retrospectively reviewed. Intravenous urography( IVU) and retrograde yelography (RP) were performed in all cases;12 cases underwent ultrosonographic examination; 2 cases also had CT examination. Results All cases were definitely diagnosed by urography、ultrosonography and computed tomography before operation. On IVU, the dilation of the right pelvicalyceal system and upper ureter formed a characteristic reversed J shape in 10 cases and tapering in 2 cases. On RP, the catheter presented S shaped appearance. Ultrosonography suggested the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter in 7 cases. CT scan revealed opacification of ureter posterior to inferior vena cava, and scan at lower level revealed the ureter medial to vena cava and just anterior to vertebral body. Conclusions Urography is a reliable method for the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter.