Single-system ectopic ureters associated with renal dysplasia.

The purpose of this study was to inquire into the clinical features and methods for the diagnosis and therapy of single-system ectopic ureters associated with renal dysplasia. Intravenous urography (IVP), diuretic B-mode ultrasound (B-US), and, in four cases, computerized tomography (CT) were performed in twelve female patients with renal dysplasia-seven on the left and five on the right-and the clinical records were retrospectively summarized and analyzed. The main presentation was droplet urinary incontinence. IVP and B-US showed that in all in whom the affected kidneys did not function, the contralateral kidneys had undergone compensatory hypertrophy. Only in four cases were the dysplastic renal tissues displayed in the pelvic cavity on B-US. In eight cases, the affected kidneys were not found. Of the four patients who had CT scanning, the dysplastic kidneys were explored in the pelvis in two cases. All patients underwent ureteronephrectomy, and the urinary incontinence disappeared after operation. Single-system ectopic ureters associated with renal dysplasia mainly affect female children, and most present with droplet urinary incontinence; the affected kidney may not be displayed on ultrasonography and IVP, but the contralateral kidney may display compensatory hypertrophy on IVP and can easily be misdiagnosed as a solitary kidney. The curative effect of ureteronephrectomy is definite.