Ureteric Duplication Anomalies

Abstract

Incomplete and complete duplication anomalies of the upper urinary tract are estimated to be present in up to 0.8% of the normal population. Majority of these anomalies have normally developed renal moieties and cause no functional problems. When detected during the antenatal scans, it is of paramount importance that the clinician keeps in mind that the vast majority of these anomalies are benign, incidental fi ndings. Ureteric duplications overall are more common in females than in males. In 15% of patients the ureteric duplication is bilateral. There is an increased incidence of up to 12% within some families, suggestive of an autosomal dominant inheritance. However, a percentage of ureteric duplications are associated with ureterocoele, ectopic ureter, vesicoureteric refl ux, and pelviureteric junction obstruction. One or more of these abnormalities are frequently found in the presence of complicated complete duplication, where two separate ureters are seen to insert separately into the bladder or into an ectopic opening. In incomplete duplication, the two bifi d ureters may join at any level from the ureteropelvic junction to the bladder and open as a single entity into the bladder.