title: Clinico-pathological correlation in duplex system ectopic ureters and ureteroceles: can preoperative work-up predict renal histology?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Upper pole histology has been poorly investigated in duplex system ectopic ureters and ureteroceles. We aimed to determine the differences in histology between the conditions, and to identify clinical markers of renal damage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2001 and 2007 for poorly functioning upper poles associated with ectopic ureters (n = 11) or ureteroceles (n = 11) were considered. Histology was classified into three groups: normal, chronic interstitial nephritis (CIN), and dysplasia. Clinical and radiological variables were compared between the two conditions and between cases with normal and abnormal histology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 22 upper pole specimens, 9 had normal histology, 8 dysplasia, and 5 CIN. Statistical analysis failed to show any significant difference in preoperative variables or histology between ectopic ureters and ureteroceles, and in preoperative variables between cases with normal and abnormal histology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We did not find significant differences in the histology of upper poles associated with ectopic ureters and ureteroceles. Histology was normal in more than one-third of patients, although the poles were poorly functioning. We hypothesize that these poles were hypoplasic rather than dysplasic. We failed to identify predictors of histological damage. Hence, the latter cannot be considered a factor guiding our decision-making.
authors: Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy.
authors: Davide
authors: D
authors: Meneghesso
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Castagnetti
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Della Vella
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Benetti
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Zucchetta
authors: Waifro
authors: W
authors: Rigamonti
authors: Luisa
authors: L
authors: Murer
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014513:Ureter / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D014518:Ureterocele / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*