What does thickening of the ureter mean?

When the urethra is blocked, urine backs up in the bladder. The bladder walls become stretched, and the walls of the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis may thicken. Infections can set in, which may cause further thickening and inflammation in the ureter, bladder, and pelvic walls.

What causes a ureter to be dilated?

Based on the laboratory investigations and sonography, the cause of ureteral dilatation was identified in 9 out of 18 (50%) cases. Ureteral dilatation was attributed to urinary tract infection in 6 cases (pus cells on urine microscopy: 3 cases; positive urine culture: 3 cases) and urinary tract tuberculosis in 3 cases.

What is the distal left ureter?

At the proximal end of the ureter is the renal pelvis; at the distal end is the bladder. The ureter begins at the level of the renal artery and vein posterior to these structures. This ureteropelvic junction usually coincides with the second lumbar vertebra on the left, with the right being marginally lower.

How to determine the cause of ureteral dilatation?

A clinicoradiological evaluation was undertaken to evaluate the cause of ureteral dilatation, including laboratory investigations and sonography of the genitourinary tract. This was followed, if required, by CT Urography (using a modified technique).

What are the causes of a thickening of the ureter wall?

I will get back to you ASAP. The two main causes of ureteral wall thickening are infection and tumors. The only way to figure out which problem you have is to have the ureteroscopy and possible biopsy of any suspicious lesions, a CT scan with IV contrast, and urine cytology ( to look for cancer cells).

Can a kidney stone cause an ureteral stricture?

It can also be caused by kidney stones, upper urinary tract inflammation, or a tumor. A ureteral stricture frequently results from a buildup of scar tissue or inflammation around the ureter, often due to an external traumatic injury or as a complication of a previous surgery,…

When to have a CT scan for a thickened ureter?

Anyways, today I saw a urologist who said the thickening was “subtle” and he wants to do nothing until I have another CT scan in November. I’m a little nervous about waiting so long in case there is a malignancy.