Vesicouterine fistulas: imaging findings in three cases

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005 Jan;184(1):139-42. doi: 10.2214/ajr.184.1.01840139.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of our report is to present three cases of vesicouterine fistulas secondary to a cesarean delivery, a uterine rupture during labor, and radiation therapy. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis varied between 3 and 7 years. Different techniques such as color Doppler sonography, excretory urography, cystography, CT, MRI, cystoscopy, vaginoscopy, and hysterography were performed with variable results, mostly negative and sometimes undefined.

Conclusion: The definitive diagnosis was made with contrast-enhanced helical CT after cystography in one case, unenhanced helical CT after hysterography in another case, and cystography in the third case. Vesicouterine fistula rarely is thought of in the differential diagnosis because of its rarity and negative results on radiologic and endoscopic tests. The diagnosis is made on imaging after opacification of the uterus or the bladder depending on the pressure gradient obtained and the location of the fistula in relation to the uterine isthmus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Urinary Bladder Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urinary Bladder Fistula / etiology
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Diseases / etiology
  • Uterine Rupture / complications

Substances

  • Contrast Media