Ureteritis

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 28 May 2020

Ureteritis refers to inflammation of the ureter, it is rare and is often associated with cystitis or pyelonephritis 1

Patients may present with symptoms of cystitis or pyelonephritis with suprapubic/flank pain, dysuria, haematuria and/or fever. White cell count may also be elevated 1.

The aetiology of ureteritis is most commonly infectious from associated cystitis but there are many causes: 

  • ascending urinary tract infections; the most common causative agents are Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes 1-3
  • chronic inflammation secondary to ureteric stents 1
  • direct spread from adjacent organs (e.g. appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease) 3
  • haematogenous spread 3
  • diffuse, circumferential urothelial wall thickening and contrast-enhancement
  • periureteric or perinephric fat stranding 1

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.