A violation of the Weigert-Meyer law – an ectopic ureter arising from the lower renal pole

Abstract

Ectopic ureters are a found in one of every 2000–4000 people. This abnormality can present with urinary tract infections, haematuria, and occasionally incontinence. Ectopic ureters traditionally follow the Weigert-Meyer Law, which describes the relationship of the lower and upper renal moieties. It states that the lower renal pole drains into a laterocranial ureteral orifice (and may reflux), while the upper renal pole drains into a mediocaudal ureteral orifice (and may be obstructed). If a duplicated ureter does not insert into the bladder, it by rule, originates from the upper pole. We present a case of a 42-year-old male who was incidentally found to have what appears to be an ectopic ureter draining from the lower renal pole into a structure contained in the scrotum, hence violating the Weigert-Meyer law.