Unilateral hydronephrosis

Table of Contents

Definition

Unilateral hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine.

See also:  Bilateral hydronephrosis


Alternative Names

Hydronephrosis


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease. It is not a disease itself. Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include:

  • Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
  • Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
  • Vesicoureteric reflux (backflow of urine from bladder to kidney)
  • Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
  • Hydronephrosis that occurs without a known cause during pregnancy

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people.



Review Date: 03/22/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)