A Giant Vesical Calculus in a Woman with Utero-Vaginal Prolapse: A Rare Case Report

Case Report

A Giant Vesical Calculus in a Woman with Utero-Vaginal Prolapse: A Rare Case Report

  • Ibrahim HG 1
  • Muhammad SB 1*
  • Abubakar M 2
  • Hafsat AR 2
  • Joshua GK 2

*Corresponding Author: Muhammad SB, Department of Radiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Citation: Ibrahim HG, Muhammad SB, Abubakar M, Hafsat AR and Joshua GK. (2021). A Giant Vesical Calculus in a Woman with Utero-Vaginal Prolapse: A Rare Case Report. J. Clinical Research Notes. 2(2). DOI: 10.31579/2690-8816/043

Copyright: © 2021 Muhammad SB. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 25 October 2021 | Accepted: 05 November 2021 | Published: 15 November 2021

Keywords: giant; calculus; woman; prolapse

Abstract

Urinary bladder stone is usually defined as a giant calculus when it weighs 100g. The incidence of female urolithiasis is very low. According to literature, fewer than 2% of all bladder calculi occur in female subjects and thus, their presence should provoke careful assessment of the etiology.

H. A. is a 70 year old P10+2 2 alive  woman from a rural community who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto with 10 years history of  protruding mass through the vagina and pain in passing urine of 1 year duration. No history of haematuria, fever or passage of stones in urine. Vaginal examination show an irreducible third degree uterine decent. Laboratory investigations revealed pus cells in urine and urine culture yielded growth of Escherichia Coli after overnight incubation. The electrolyte, urea and creatinine levels were normal.

On ultrasound, a large curvilinear echogenic structure that cast posterior acoustic shadowing consistent with calculus was demonstrated within the urinary bladder. It measured 4.5x3.7cm in size and showed marginal irregularities. The surrounding urine in the bladder show mobile internal echoes.  Intravenous urogram showed a dense oval radio opaque calculus in the pelvis measuring about 4.5cm in diameter with normal upper urinary tract. She had open cystolithotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy. The stone weighs 142g.

Introduction

Urinary bladder stone is usually defined as a giant calculus when it weighs 100g1. Urinary bladder calculi constitute 5% of all urolithiasis [2]. The incidence of female urolithiasis is very low. According to literature, fewer than 2% of all bladder calculi occur in female subjects and thus, their presence should provoke careful assessment of the etiology [3]. The association of vesical calculi and utero-vaginal prolapsed is an uncommon entity [4.5].

Radiography and ultrasound play a vital role in diagnosing this condition as well as evaluation of complications associated with it. We report a rare case of utero-vaginal prolapsed with large vesical calculus diagnosed by ultrasonography, plain radiography and intravenous urography.

Case Report

H. A. is a 70 year old P10+2 2 alive  woman from a rural community who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto with 10 years history of  protruding mass through the vagina and pain in passing urine of 1 year duration. No history of haematuria, fever or passage of stones in urine. She has been receiving drugs from a medicine vendor in her village but was never subjected to any type of investigation. No history of surgery in the past. She is a widow with two live female children. All her deliveries were at home and uneventful. No family history of utero-vaginal prolapse or bladder stone.

Physical examination show an elderly woman, malnourished. The abdomen was flat, soft, and non-tender. Vaginal examination show an irreducible third degree uterine decent. Laboratory investigations showed pus cells in urine and urine culture yielded growth of Escherichia Coli after overnight incubation. The electrolyte, urea and creatinine levels are within normal limits. The pack
cell volume was 30%. She was referred to radiology department to do abdomino-pelvic ultrasound and intravenous urography as part of pre-operative assessment.

On ultrasound, a large curvilinear echogenic structure that cast posterior acoustic shadowing consistent with calculus was demonstrated within the urinary bladder. It measured 4.5x3.7cm in size and showed marginal irregularities (figure1).

Figure 1: Ultrasound of the urinary bladder showing a large calculus with irregular margin (thick arrow) and posterior acoustic shadowing (thin arrow).

The surrounding urine in the bladder show mobile internal echoes.  There was a simple renal cyst on the right side but no hydronephrosis or hydroureters was demonstrated. Plain radiograph showed a dense oval radio opaque calculus in the pelvis measuring about 4.5cm in diameter (figure 2).

Figure 2: Plain radiograph of the abdomen showing a large rounded radio opaque calculus in the pelvis with irregular margin (arrow).

On intravenous urogram, there was normal excretion of contrast medium by the kidneys on both sides with no features of hydronephrosis (figure 3). 

Figure 3: A full length view of intravenous urogram showing normal renal excretion and pelvicaliceal caliber bilaterally (arrows). Note a large radio opaque calculus and the contrast medium outlining the catheter balloon in the bladder as well. 

The ureters were demonstrated in their entire length and are normal in positions and caliber. Urinary bladder view shows inferior displacement of the urinary bladder (figure 4).

Figure 4: Bladder view of the intravenous urogram showing inferior displacement of the bladder due to uterine prolapse. The rounded filling defect is due to catheter balloon in situ (arrow).She later had open cystolithotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy. The stone weighs 142g. The post-operative period was uneventful.

Discussion

Urinary bladder calculi are rare in women. Fewer than 2% of urinary bladder stone occur in females [3]. It is more often seen in the developing nations than the developed. Mungadi et al evaluate the pattern of urolithiasis in Sokoto North Western Nigeria in 121 patients. They reported that in 62% of cases the stones were solitary and they are seen more in males with a male to female ratio of 23.1:1 [6]. There have been a number of reports on bladder calculi in women with a history of gynecologic procedure [3, 7]. Long standing utero-vaginal prolapse and bladder outlet obstruction coupled with chronic infection are suspected to be the causative factors as demonstrated in this patient. Aside from the aforementioned causative factors, the predisposing factors that may cause the bladder stone in the present case were unique. The patient came from a very remote village that lacked a basic medical diagnostic facility which can be used to make the diagnosis early. The patient also had dietary problems along with reduced fluid intake. These factors probably compounded the urinary tract infection and resulted in the formation of the calculus. This findings tally with that of Rahman et al in Ilorin North West Nigeria [1]. 

Anatomical findings usually associated with vesical calculus in women are cystocele, enterocele of utero-vaginal prolapsed or findings of prior urethral surgery all of which contribute to elevated residual urine [4,5].  Bladder stone is one of the cause for irreducible utero-vaginal prolapsed sometimes as may be so in the index patient. As the uterus descends, the downward traction causes the bladder trigone and lower ureters to be dragged outside the pelvis. The caudal displacement of the trigone results in compression of the ureters between the uterus and medial borders of the genital hiatus. Complete uterine prolapsed results in an ‘hour glass’ configuration to the bladder as demonstrated in this case (figure 4). 

The diagnosis of vesical calculi requires a high index of suspicion. A history of recurrent urinary tract infection with suprapubic pain that is aggravated by exercise, an interruption of the urinary stream and terminal haematuria are helpful but not pathognomonic of the disease because they may be caused by other lesions in the bladder.

Abdominal radiograph, ultrasonography, Intravenous urography (IVU) and computed tomography (CT) are the most useful tools in evaluation of vesical calculi [8]. Many clinicians use plain abdominal radiograph and ultrasound for initial studies. Ultrasound reveals many types of stones including some radiolucent stones and may yield other clinically important findings such as urinary obstruction, nephrocalcinosis or renal parenchymal disease. Danfulani et al demonstrated a giant bladder calculus in a child which shows features of early renal parenchymal disease on ultrasound. Our patient shows an associated simple right renal cyst on ultrasound. Bladder stones are usually single, large, rounded and of homogenous calcific density and thus evident on plain radiograph or on excretion urography with a contrast agent as demonstrated in our patient. Intravenous urography is however associated with higher radiation exposure and risk due to use of contrast agents. More recently studies have suggested that non enhanced helical CT is superior to IVU for the evaluation of urolithiasis. The advantage of CT includes shorter examination times, higher sensitivity and specificity for calculi, no need for intravenous contrast a greater potential for making alternative diagnosis [8].

Radiological findings associated with bladder calculus and utero-vaginal prolapse include internal echoes in the urine surrounding the calculus as observed in our case. Others include back pressure effect on the ureters and kidneys leading to hydroureters and hydronephrosis.

Open surgery with total abdominal hysterectomy has been the best recommended modality for large stones associated with utero-vaginal prolapse [4,5,8]. Other methods of bladder stone removal include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endoscopic cystolithotomy (transurethral or percutaneous). The success rate of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy ranges from 72-100% and it is a suitable method for patients with severe cormobidities [8,9].  In our patient the stone was large and she had open cystolithotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Utero-vaginal prolapse is a common gynecological disorder in this environment. A long standing prolapse if untreated may lead to urinary tract complications such as bladder calculus. We reported a rare case of large bladder stone caused by long standing utero-vaginal prolapse evaluated by ultrasound, plain radiography and intravenous urography for which the patient had open cystolithotomy and hysterectomy.

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.

img

Gomez Barriga Maria Dolores

The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.

img

Lin Shaw Chin

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.

img

Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga