Anat Cell Biol.  2024 Sep;57(3):476-480. 10.5115/acb.24.033.

A bifid ureter originating from separate major calyx and renal pelvis with dual calyceal systems: a case report

• Seu Y
• Park HJ
• Park JS
• Moon Y
• Kim H
• Hur MS

• KMID: 2559770
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.24.033

Abstract

Present case report describes a case of bifid ureter arising directly from separate calyces and renal pelvis of the kidney. Incomplete ureter duplication on the left side in a 78-year-old male cadaver was found during an anatomy class. These ureters converged in a Y-shaped pattern just above the level of the anterior superior iliac spine. In the coronal section of the kidney, the anterior ureter arose from a renal pelvis that was divided into two major calyces in the lower two-thirds of the kidney. On the other hand, the posterior ureter was directly connected to a major calyx in the upper third of the kidney, without the formation of a renal pelvis. This anatomical variation has implications for diagnostic approaches, especially in the use of imaging techniques by urologists for the insertion of stents in the treatment of phyelonephritis.

Keyword

Bifid ureter; Kidney; Major calyx; Renal pelvis

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A bifid ureter of the left kidney in the cadaver. (A) The two ureters converged near the level of the anterior superior iliac supine. These two ureters (arrowhead and arrow) formed a Y-shaped pattern. One (arrow) of bifid ureter traversed anterior to the renal vessels, and another ureter (arrowhead) traversed posterior to the renal vessels. (B) A bifid ureter was observed in the coronal section of the kidney. The anterior ureter (arrow) originated from the inferior pole of the kidney, while the posterior ureter (arrowhead) arose from the superior pole. Med, medial; Sup, superior.

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  Fig. 2 A dual calyceal system that had a bifid ureter originating from separate major calyx (MA) and renal pelvis (RP) in coronal section of the left kidney. The anterior ureter (arrowhead) arose from a RP that was divided into two MAs in the lower two-thirds of the kidney. This RP was located within the renal sinus. The posterior ureter (arrow) was directly connected to a MA in the upper third of the kidney, without the formation of a RP. MI, minor calyx; Med, medial; Sup, superior.

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  Fig. 3 A normal ureter (U) in a horizontally sectioned image of the right kidney. The renal papillae drained into minor calyces (Mis), and the Mis appeared to unite with their neighbors to form the major calyx (arrowhead). MI, minor calyx; P, renal pyramid; Ant, anterior; Med, medial.

Reference

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