Ureteral rupture from aberrant Foley catheter placement: a case report

J Radiol Case Rep. 2013 Jan;7(1):33-40. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v7i1.1276. Epub 2013 Jan 1.

Abstract

We present the case of a 59 year old female with history of severe neurologic dysfunction from advanced multiple sclerosis who presented with lethargy and oliguria several hours after urethral Foley catheterization. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis showed an aberrantly placed Foley catheter with its balloon inflated in the proximal left ureter, a rare complication of Foley catheterization with only 5 other cases reported. Incomplete ureteral rupture was demonstrated and confirmed by a followup CT scan in the urographic phase. One of our institution's Interventional Radiologists then placed a nephroureteral stent across the injured ureter to facilitate healing. The patient expired 9 days after the procedure from unrelated sepsis from a chronic stage IV decubitus ulcer, so long term monitoring could not be performed. Following description of our case, we conduct a literature review of presentations, imaging characteristics, and treatment of ureteral Foley catheter placement.

Keywords: Foley; Ureteral Foley placement; interventional radiology case report; ureter; ureteral rupture; urinary obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical Errors
  • Middle Aged
  • Oliguria / etiology
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ureter / injuries*
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Catheterization / instrumentation