Ureteroarterial fistula

Abstract

The authors intended to perform a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to ureteroarterial fistulae and apply the findings to a case. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Keywords: ureter, artery and fistula. The available articles printed in or translated to English were analysed for overall trends. The results were then compared with the case of a patient (index patient). Review of the literature reveals that 57% of all ureteroarterial fistulae form in women at an average age of 58. The most common presenting complaint is haematuria. There appears to be a shift in management from primarily open surgical to primarily angiographic. The known risk factors are: vascular pathology, malignancy, prior radiation and indwelling stents. While 98% of all cases have at least one known risk factor, only 41% had two or more. We report an additional case of this rare condition, and review the present literature.