Ureterocele causing anhydramnios successfully treated with percutaneous decompression.
BACKGROUND
Ureteroceles are congenital cystic dilatations of the submucosal segment of the distal ureter. We present a case of an intravesical ureterocele causing anhydramnios at 31 weeks' gestation.


METHODS
A primiparous woman near 20 weeks' gestation had ultrasound evidence of a fetal duplicated right collecting system. At 31 weeks, an intravesical ureterocele was seen along with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and anhydramnios. A single percutaneous needle decompression of the bladder and ureterocele successfully restored amniotic fluid volume.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up ultrasounds are indicated when either a duplicated renal collecting system or a ureterocele is identified. In utero treatment is indicated only when amniotic fluid is compromised. Needle decompression should be first-line treatment, with more invasive methods reserved for failures of decompression.
Hansen
Wendy F
WF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. wendy-hansen2uiowa.edu
Cooper
Christopher S
CS
Yankowitz
Jerome
J
D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014518:Ureterocele / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*