Arteriovenous Malformation of the Ureter: A Rare Urological Entity Managed With Endoscopic Laser Ablation.

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the urinary tract are exceedingly rare, especially when arising from the ureter. Presenting often with haematuria and obstructive symptoms, these lesions pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with no established management guidelines.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with left-sided flank pain, fever and visible haematuria. Initial imaging revealed hydronephrosis and a proximal ureteric soft tissue lesion. Flexible ureteroscopy identified a large, pale and fleshy intraluminal mass extending into the pelviureteric junction. Laser ablation and endoscopic resection were performed, and histopathology confirmed a polypoid AVM. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, apart from a conservatively managed renal abscess. The patient remained asymptomatic at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights a rare presentation of ureteric AVM and supports flexible ureteroscopy with laser ablation as a viable and minimally invasive treatment modality. Clinicians should consider vascular anomalies in patients with unexplained haematuria, particularly when conventional aetiologies are excluded.