Spontaneous proximal ureteric rupture secondary to ureterolithiasis

Abstract

We present the case of a 37-year-old lady who presented with severe colicky left sided flank pain associated with vomiting, chills and rigors. A non-contrast Computed Tomography of the Kidney Ureter and Bladder was performed which showed a 2-3 mm stone in the pelvic part of the left ureter. Following 2 days of conservative treatment she was still complaining of increasingly severe pain. A contrast computed tomography of the abdomen was performed which was suggestive of a perforation of the left collecting system. A diagnosis of spontaneous left proximal ureteric perforation secondary to urolithiasis was made. We opted to treat her with retrograde endoscopic ureteric stent insertion. Spontaneous rupture of the ureter is a relatively rare urological occurrence with only a small number of cases reported in the literature. Although there are no recommendations, ureteric double-J stenting is the most commonly used management option with good results reported.