Diagnostic imaging characteristics of ureteral pseudodiverticulosis in three dogs

Abstract

Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis is rarely reported in veterinary medicine. This case study aimed to describe the radiographic, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic findings for dogs with radiologically confirmed ureteral pseudodiverticulosis. Three dogs met the inclusion criteria. Radiographic findings included multiple small, round-shaped mineral opacities located around the periphery of the ureters (3/3), and multiple contrast medium-filled outpouchings that appeared and disappeared when the contrast medium washed in and out on intravenous excretory urography (2/3). The outpouchings were approximately 1 mm in diameter. In the ultrasonographic images, the mineral foci were located adjacent to the ureter, but not within the ureteral lumen (1/3). Contrast-enhanced CT findings were similar to those of excretory urography (2/3). Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for old-aged and small-breed dogs with radiopaque materials along the ureteral pathways; excretory urography or contrast-enhanced CT are recommended for a more definitive imaging diagnosis.