Retrocaval ureter coexisting with renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Retrocaval Ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital anomaly that often presents with obstructive changes in the upper urinary tract which may or may not symptomatic. It arises as a result of an aberration in embryologic development of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC). Commonly occurs in isolation but can occur in association with other anomalies. Few studies have reported RCU co-existing with upper tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) but there is no literature report so far of its co-existence with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Case summary: Hence, we report a case of a 65 year old man with right sided RCC coexisting with RCU. The anomaly was discovered intra-operatively and the patient was offered open right radical nephrectomy with a good post-operative recovery and uneventful follow-up. Conclusion: Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly that may occur in isolation or with other associated conditions. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of RCU coexisting with renal cell carcinoma. Proper pre-operative evaluation will help to identify these associated anomalies so as to adopt a holistic approach to patient care in order to ensure good treatment outcome. Keywords: radical nephrectomy; renal cell carcinoma; retrocaval ureter; nephroureterectomy.