Bifid ureter with blind-ending branch: A rare anatomic variant detected during antegrade ureteric stent insertion

Abstract

Anatomic variants of the urinary tract are relatively common; however, a bifid ureter with a blind-ending branch is a rare congenital anomaly. This variant often goes unnoticed because patients are either asymptomatic or complain of vague abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis is often incidental, and may be missed on conventional imaging. Although bifid ureters usually do not require any specific investigations or treatment; it is important to have an appreciation for these anomalies particularly if radiological intervention or surgical procedures are planned. We describe a case of a blind-ending bifid ureter in a patient with bilateral hydronephrosis secondary to a large cervical malignancy. The presence of the bifid ureter was only appreciated during a technically challenging antegrade ureteric stent insertion several weeks after diagnosis. We review the clinical significance, embryology, and radiology findings of this anomaly, as well as the implications during radiological interventional procedures. Keywords: Bifid Ureter, Anatomic Variant, Ureteral Duplication