Diagnosis of megaureter by point-of-care ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Presentation of congenital megaureter in adult life is rare; patients usually become symptomatic in childhood.

Case report: A 32-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with dyspnea, tongue swelling, and a rash, which he attributed to amoxicillin he had taken shortly prior to onset of symptoms. He was hypotensive on arrival to the ED. To further evaluate the hypotension, point-of-care ultrasound of the heart, lungs, and abdomen were performed while treatment for anaphylaxis was initiated. Ultrasound examination did not identify a cause for hypotension, but the treating physician noted an anechoic structural abnormality posterior to the bladder, suggestive of megaureter. The patient responded well to treatment of anaphylaxis; further history and diagnostic imaging subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of congenital megaureter.

Conclusion: We report an unusual case of congenital megaureter, identified by point-of-care ultrasound performed to evaluate hypotension. Clinicians performing limited ultrasound examinations must be attentive to incidental findings that will require follow-up.

Keywords: bedside; congenital; emergency department; megaureter; point-of-care; ultrasound; urology.