Staged endourologic and endovascular repair of an infrarenal inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with forniceal rupture

We present the case of a 79-year-old female who presented with severe left flank pain and a pulsatile abdominal mass. She was diagnosed with left peripelvic urinary extravasation and forniceal rupture secondary to an intact infrarenal inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm with extensive periaortic fibrosis. Successful operative repair was performed with staged ureteral and endovascular stenting with subsequent resolution of periaortic inflammation and ureteral obstruction, and shrinkage of the aneurysm sac. Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) represent 5% to 10% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. The distinguishing features of inflammatory aneurysms include thickening of aneurysm wall, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and adhesions to adjacent retroperitoneal structures. The most commonly involved adjacent structures are the duodenum, left renal vein, and ureter. Adhesions to the urinary system can cause hydronephrosis or hydroureter and result in obstructive uropathy. An unusual case of IAAA presenting with forniceal rupture is presented, with successful endovascular and endourologic repair.     

Abdominal aortic aneurysm causing duodenal and ureteric obstruction

We report a unique case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm complicated by both duodenal and ureteric obstruction and review the literature on these conditions. Duodenal obstruction is a consequence of compression of the duodenum in its fixed retroperitoneal course between the aneurysmal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Treatment should be based on replacement of the aneurysm as gastrointestinal bypass alone does not resolve the risk of aneurysm rupture. Ureteric obstruction is related to encasement of the ureters in an inflammatory perianeurysmal fibrosis of unresolved etiology rather than secondary to aneurysm compression. Although urinary tract symptoms are often seen with aortic aneurysms, they tend to be nonspecific and are often overlooked. As many as 71% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms may have radiologic evidence of ureteric involvement. Although aneurysm replacement alone may resolve the perianeurysmal fibrosis with resultant relief of ureteric obstruction, most authors advise simultaneous ureterolysis. Aortic aneurysm should be considered as a possible cause of duodenal or ureteral obstruction in the elderly, especially in the presence of a pulsatile abdominal mass.     

Ureteral obstruction secondary to iliac artery aneurysm.

A patient with an unusual unilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to mechanical obstruction by a common iliac artery aneurysm in association with an abdominal-aortic aneurysm is presented. A diagnosis of ureteral obstruction should be suspected in a patient with flank or abdominal pain and an infra-umbilical (iliac) aneurysm. Treatment is directed toward the aneurysm. The aneurysmal wall attachments to the ureter should be left undisturbed.     

Urological manifestations of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

Three patients with iliac artery aneurysms were seen at our institution with the chief complaints owing to urological manifestations. Iliac artery aneurysms may present with a transrectally palpable mass, hematuria, bladder outlet obstruction, ureteral obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis or renal failure. Any such manifestations may bring the aneurysm to the attention of a urologist before diagnosis.     

Ureteral stenosis secondary to common iliac aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature in Japan

A case of right ureteral obstruction secondary to right common iliac aneurysm presenting as right hydronephrosis is reported and the literature is reviewed. A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with lower abdominal pain and was treated by bypass operation with artificial vessel and uretero-ureterostomy of right ureter under the diagnosis of right ureteral stenosis secondary to right iliac aneurysm. Histological examination showed arteriosclerotic aneurysm and a fibrillary inflammatory change in peri-ureteral tissue without any hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Intravenous pyelography showed improvement of right hydronephrosis 45 days after operation. To date 11 cases including our case have been reported in Japan, 10 in males and the other in a female. Initial symptoms were either lumbago or an abdominal mass with palpitation in many cases. The treatment was by resection of aneurysm with bypass grafting or ureterolysis.     

A case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis causing acute renal failure and markedly responsive to drug therapy]

We report a case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in a 66-year-old man. He was admitted to our hospital because of acute renal failure, and emergent hemodialysis was performed. Computed tomography scanning showed a retroperitoneal mass surrounding the abdominal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries. The mass involved bilateral ureters and acute renal failure was caused by bilateral hydronephrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the mass was slightly high intensity on T2 weighted image. It was considered to be idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. After inserting ureteral catheters into bilateral ureters, his renal function recovered. The layer of the fibrosis became thin by steroids and traditional Chinese medicine, and bilateral ureteral catheters could be removed two months later. At ten months after the treatment, no ureteral obstruction was observed and renal function is preserved.     

Aortic aneurysm with retroperitoneal fibrosis and ureteral obstruction

Arteriosclerotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta constitute a common clinical entity. Rarely are they associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis and ureteral obstruction requiring ureterolysis. Fifteen such cases have been reported, with resection successful in 5 of 7. A sixteenth case is presented complicated by the presence of a persistent left cardinal vein. It is the third aneurysm resected with such an anomaly, and to our knowledge the first to be associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis and ureteral obstruction. Ureterolysis with resection of the aneurysm was performed. The difficulties presented by these pathologic entities, as well as the anomalous venous pattern, are reviewed. Complete preoperative evaluation, including intravenous pyelogram, retrograde pyelography, aortography, and venacavography, for the definition of anatomic relationships and planning of the surgical approach is stressed.     

Unilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to rupture of liver echinococcal cyst.

We report a case of ureteral obstruction by reactive retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to rupture of a liver echinococcal cyst after minimal blunt flank trauma. The patient presented initially with a cyst-cutaneous fistula and was treated with mebendazole, since surgery was refused. Unilateral ureteral obstruction due to reactive dense retroperitoneal fibrosis developed 2 years later, which presumably was initiated by intense inflammatory reaction to the cyst content. Diagnosis was established by excretory urography, ultrasonography and computerized tomography, and was histologically confirmed. Hydronephrosis and hydroureter resolved following ureterolysis. This complication is anticipated to be encountered more frequently with the use of the new potent anthelmintic agents, which may successfully prevent daughter cyst formation but fail to abolish reactive retroperitonitis.     

Ureteral obstruction secondary to iliac artery aneurysm

A 65-year-old woman was seen in September, 1986, because of general malaise and dull pain in the left flank. Physical examination was unremarkable. Murmur was not heard over the abdomen. An excretory urogram showed left hydronephrosis and a retrograde pyelogram showed extrinsic obstruction at the level of the transverse process of the 5th lumbar spine. Computed tomography (CT) showed a mass with irregular calcification in its center. The mass was assumed to be located in the left iliac artery and as it was enhanced homogeneously, iliac aneurysm was suspected. Angiography revealed an aneurysm of the left iliac artery involving common, external and internal iliac arteries. The patient was treated by ligation of aneurysm, aorto-femoral graft bypass and ureterolysis. Histopathological findings showed aneurysm due to atherosclerosis. A postoperative excretory urogram showed improvement of hydronephrosis. Ureteral obstruction due to iliac aneurysm is unusual but it should be considered when performing differential diagnosis of extrinsic ureteral obstruction. CT is a useful diagnostic tool and aortography should be done to make a final diagnosis. Treatment is based on resection or ligation of aneurysm with ureterolysis.     

Bilateral ureteral obstruction by periarterial fibrotic reactions in aortoiliac arteriosclerosis: report of a case

A 60-year-old man visited our hospital with the chief complaint of right flank pain. A right ureteral stone was suspected by the findings of KUB and DIP, and conservative treatment was carried out. Repeat KUB and DIP a month after treatment showed that the stone shadow was not visible and right hydronephrosis had increased. Closer examinations by RP and CT scan revealed right ureteral obstruction caused by periarterial fibrosis accompanied with arteriosclerotic changes of the aortoiliac region. The arteriosclerotic changes were confirmed by pelvic arteriography, and then right ureterolysis and lateral displacement were performed. DIP four months after the operation showed improvement of right hydronephrosis, but left hydronephrosis was observed. As the same cause as the right side was suspected, left ureterolysis and intraperitoneal transposition were also performed. Histological findings of each periureteral tissue resembled idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. DIP three months after the second operation showed no hydronephrosis. Case reports of ureteral obstruction due to perianeurysmal fibrosis have not been infrequent recently, but our case showed severe arteriosclerotic changes instead of conspicuous aneurysm. The possibility of occurrence of periarterial fibrosis caused by severe arteriosclerotic changes is discussed.     

Obstructive uropathy caused by retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms are known to be associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis and ureteral complications. We report a case of an inflammatory aneurysm that produced bilateral ureteral envelopment and obstructive renal failure. Incidence, pathogenesis and clinical onset of this kind of aneurysms and management of the ureteral complications are reviewed.     

Calycovesicostomy for total ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation

Surgical reconstruction for ureteral obstruction is necessary in 1 to 10 per cent of renal transplants. On an acute basis edema, ischemia, lymphocele and hematoma formation cause ureteral obstruction. Chronic etiologies include ureterovesical obstruction and retroperitoneal or ureteral fibrosis. Options for repair are myriad and include repeat ureteral reimplantation, pyeloureterostomy, ureteroureterostomy, pyelocystostomy and calycovesicostomy. We report on the desirability of calycovesicostomy as a last resort option for total ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation.     

Endovascular Treatment of a Ureteroiliac Fistula Associated with Ureteral Double J-Stenting and an Aortic-Bifemoral Stent Graft for an Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

We report an unusual case of a ureteroiliac fistula due to prolonged ureteral stenting for hydronephrosis combined with an aortic-bifemoral stent graft in an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), treated with an endovascular stent graft. In a 77-year-old man ureteral J-stents were placed for bilateral hydronephrosis due to retroperitoneal fibrosis caused by an inflammatory AAA. The aneurysm was treated with an endovascular aortic-bifemoral stent graft. Three months later, the patient suffered from severe hypovolemic shock. Emergency angiography showed a fistula between the right ureter and the right common iliac artery just distal to the right leg of the stent graft. The ureteroiliac fistula was treated with a wall graft (10F). The patient recovered well and remained asymptomatic. Ureteroiliac fistula remains a rare complication of ureteral stenting. Several risk factors have been described before. This case emphazes the increased risk of an arterial-ureteral fistula due to an indwelling ureteral stent and an inflammatory AAA, especially in combination with an additional stent graft for this inflammatory AAA.     

Surgical treatment of isolated iliac artery aneurysm with ureteral obstruction and/or renal failure

Three patients with isolated iliac artery aneurysm with ureteral obstruction and/or renal failure are presented. One patient had a stenotic lesion of the right ureter caused by direct compression of common and internal iliac artery aneurysms. Resection of the aneurysms and graft replacement were successfully performed. The other patients, who had hydroureteronephrosis and renal failure caused by entrapment of the ureters in perianeurysmal fibrosis, were treated surgically by ureterolysis, resection with graft replacement of the common iliac artery aneurysms, and endoaneurysmorraphy of the internal iliac artery aneurysms. One has had a good postoperative course, whereas the other died from a rare complication of rectosigmoid colon perforation caused by direct compression by the graft.     

Current approach to diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is characterized by fibrotic lesions around the abdominal aorta and common ileac artery causing ureteral obstruction. Secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis is associated with malignant disease, drugs, exposure to radiation and surgery. In contrast, the majority of retroperitoneal fibrosis is classified into idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, for which immunological etiology has been suggested. Recently, idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis has been considered to be a spectrum of immunoglobulin G4-related disease, a systemic inflammatory disease, the concept of which has been developed during the past decade. In the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis, assessment of systemic lesions associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disease and the exclusion of secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis is mandatory. Histological examination of retroperitoneal lesions is desired for accurate diagnosis and management. Laparoscopic or open biopsy is often beneficial, although it is more invasive than needle biopsy. Treatment for idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis consists of meticulous glucocorticoid therapy based on that for immunoglobulin G4-related disease, which is expected to be highly effective. Ureteral obstruction is usually managed with conservative procedures, such as ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy. The goal of treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis should be freedom from the stent/nephrostomy with withdrawal of the glucocorticoid in addition to salvage of renal function; however, conservative management does not always provide favorable outcomes. In contrast, aggressive surgical treatment, such as ureterolysis, can achieve the goal; however, the procedure is associated with high morbidity. Establishment of a consensus about treatment for idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, including the optimal indications for the invasive surgical procedure and conservative management, is desired.     

The occurrence of vasculitis in perianeurysmal fibrosis

The histological findings of retroperitoneal fibrosis in 17 operated patients are described. Of these patients 6 showed a simultaneous aneurysm of the abdominal aorta verified either by computerized tomography, ultrasound, arteriography or during an operation. Of the patients 14 were operated on primarily because of ureteral obstruction, 2 because of aortic aneurysm and 1 because of rupture of the abdominal aorta. Advanced fibrosis with varying amounts of inflammation was detected in all 17 patients. The same histological pattern was present in patients with aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and in those without aneurysm. Accompanying vasculitis with destruction of the vascular wall was noted in 8 patients, including 6 with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In 3 patients who underwent aneurysm resection as well as in 1 patient with aortic rupture the process extended into the aortic wall. The only patient with vasculitis and no aortic process suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis. On the basis of the different histological findings we suggest that retroperitoneal fibrosis with vasculitis and aneurysm may represent a distinct pathological entity.     

Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Bilateral Complete Ureteral Obstruction: Treatment by Endovascular Graft and Bilateral Ureteric Stenting

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms may present a challenge to the surgeon, especially because of associated retroperitoneal fibrosis and possible ureteral complications. We present a case of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm with bilateral ureteral entrapment and complete anuria, successfully treated by endovascular grafting and temporary ureteral stenting.     

Problems associated with gibbons ureteral catheter

Two recent cases of bilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to benign retroperitoneal fibrosis were treated initially with Gibbons indwelling ureteral catheters. Inadequate catheter length, ealyceal stone formation, catheter encrustation, and distal migration form the basis for this report.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis with ureteral obstruction secondary to actinomyces israeli

A case of Actinomycosis israeli causing retroperitoneal fibrosis and ureteral obstruction is presented. This rare occurrence followed direct extension of the infectious process from intra-abdominal abdcesses to the retroperitoneum, resulting in dense fibrosis. Diagnosis is most commonly established by histologic identification of sulfur granules obtained at abdominal exploration. The pathogenesis and treatment of genitourinary as well as rctroperitoneal actinomycosis is discussed.     

Innovative surgical management of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare entity usually treated with exploratory laparotomy, deep biopsies of the fibrotic process and uretrolysis. Innovative surgical management occasionally is required for ureteral obstruction. We report the use of dismembered pyeloplasty, autorenal transplantation and bilateral psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation for the management of ureteral obstruction associated with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.