title: Ureteral endometriosis and loss of renal function: mechanisms and interpretations.
abstract: Ureteral endometriosis is associated with deep endometriosis and is relatively uncommon. In some patients, progressive obstruction of the lower part of the ureter may occur, with silent loss of renal function as a consequence. We report on three patients with loss of renal function, in whom different pathogenic mechanisms probably were the decisive cause. Failure to diagnose deep endometriosis with ureteral involvement, misinterpretation of hydroureter at magnetic resonance imaging and lack of typical symptoms may all be reasons for development of loss of renal function. With only one functional kidney, these patients should be followed closely with renal function tests and ultrasound, and in certain cases also by magnetic resonance imaging or renal scintigraphy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. anton.langebrekke@uus.no
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Langebrekke
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Qvigstad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods; D035583:Rare Diseases; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery