Magnetic resonance imaging for ureteral fibroepithelial polyp

Thomas KK Lai, Cathy HS Chung, Angus CW Chin, Petrus S Szeto, WC Wong, Ronee YY Chan, Henry YH Huang, WF Ng
Department of Radiology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Ureteric tumours are rare and most of them are malignant. Of benign tumours, ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are the most common but are still considered clinical rarities. In the past, most benign ureteric tumours were only diagnosed after surgical removal. With technological advance, magnetic resonance imaging has become an effective means of assessing ureteric lesions. Non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance urography can produce an image comparable to an intravenous urogram without use of intravenous water-soluble contrast. A polyp can be diagnosed on imaging if there is an elongated filling defect inside the ureter. Nevertheless, a definitive diagnosis relies on ureteroscopic examination with biopsy. When a non-obstructive polyp is being managed conservatively, imaging is helpful for monitoring. Equally, the information obtained from imaging can be used to plan operative treatment.

Hong Kong Med J 2008;14:408-10

Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Neoplasms, fibroepithelial; Polyps; Ureter