Distal ureteral atresia – an embryological dilemma

Abstract

Introduction: Distal ureteral atresia is a rare urinary tract anomaly generally associated with ipsilateral renal dysplasia and abnormalities such as multicystic dysplastic kidney, hydronephrosis and megaureter in the contralateral kidney. Despite burgeoning investigation modalities, definitive preoperative diagnosis of this condition is rarely feasible, also the embryological disarray of events that result in the development of this anomaly and the associated malformations is not clearly understood. Case presentation: We hereby report two cases of distal ureteral atresia and discuss the diversity in their presentations, diagnosis, atypical associations and management and review the possible embryological mal-development. Conclusion: Distal ureteral atresia with urogenital sinus as in Case 1 has not been documented so far and a plausible embryological explanation is deduced regarding its occurrence. The course of the affected kidney following timely and adequate relief of obstruction in Case 2 is depicted, highlighting the eventual management. Level of evidence: Not applicable