Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy

Alternative names:

obstructive uropathy - unilateral - acute; ureteral obstruction

Symptoms:

• flank pain or pain in the side
  • severe
  • may travel or radiate to the groin, genitals, thigh
  • periodic and changing intensity over minutes (colicky), or spasmodic
  • on one side
  • severe enough to require narcotics
  • radiating to groin
  • with nausea or vomiting

• back pain, may be on only one side
• abdominal pain
  • right lower quadrant or
  • left lower quadrant

• blood in the urine
• abnormal urine color (tan, cola colored, tea colored)
• high blood pressure that his increased recently (within 2 weeks)

Signs and tests:

A history of acute ureteric colic may indicate nephrolithiasis or unilateral obstructive uropathy. Palpation of the abdomen reveals an enlarged or tender kidney. Blood pressure may be elevated. Fever may or may not be present (infection).

• Urinalysis may reveal blood in the urine and pyorrhea.

Hydronephrosis and/or obstruction of the ureter may appear on:

• IVP
• abdominal ultrasound
• abdominal CT scan