Differential Diagnosis for Mild Left Hydroureteronephrosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Ureteral obstruction due to a 2mm kidney stone (urolithiasis) at the left ureterovesical junction: This is the most direct cause given the CT findings, as the stone's location at the ureterovesical junction can easily obstruct urine flow, leading to hydroureteronephrosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Blood clot obstruction: A blood clot could potentially obstruct the ureter at the same location, causing similar symptoms and findings.
- Ureteral stricture: A narrowing of the ureter, which could be due to various causes including previous surgery, instrumentation, or disease, could also lead to obstruction and subsequent hydroureteronephrosis.
- External compression (e.g., from a tumor or lymphadenopathy): Although less common, external compression of the ureter at the ureterovesical junction could cause obstruction.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Ureteral tumor: A tumor in the ureter could cause obstruction and would have significant implications for treatment and prognosis.
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis: A rare condition characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue in the retroperitoneum, which can encase and obstruct the ureters.
- Invasive pelvic malignancy: Cancers such as cervical, prostate, or colorectal cancer can invade the ureters and cause obstruction.
- Rare diagnoses
- Congenital ureteral anomalies (e.g., ureteral duplication, ectopic ureter): These conditions could potentially cause or contribute to the obstruction, especially if associated with other anomalies.
- Inflammatory or infectious processes (e.g., tuberculosis, schistosomiasis): Certain infections can cause ureteral strictures or obstruction, although these are less common in many parts of the world.
- Vascular abnormalities (e.g., ureteral vascular compression): Rare vascular anomalies could potentially compress the ureter and cause obstruction.