The word "pseudohydronephrosis" refers to a condition wherein an enlarged kidney is actually filled with urine and not fluid. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "pseudo" is pronounced as "soo-doh" with stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "hydro" is pronounced as "hahy-droh," while the third syllable "nephros" is pronounced as "nef-rohss." The final syllable "is" is pronounced as "iz." So altogether, it sounds like "soo-doh-hahy-droh-nef-rohss-iz."
Pseudohydronephrosis is a medical condition characterized by the temporary or false appearance of hydronephrosis, a condition where urine accumulates in the kidneys due to an obstruction in the urinary system. It is important to note that in pseudohydronephrosis, there is no actual obstruction present, but there are certain factors that cause hydronephrosis-like symptoms to occur.
Typically, pseudohydronephrosis is caused by extrinsic factors that compress the ureter or lead to temporary changes in the anatomy of the urinary system. Some common causes include pregnancy, pelvic masses, renal vein thrombosis, and certain tumors. These factors can put pressure on the ureter, resulting in the dilatation of the renal collecting system, which can be mistaken for hydronephrosis.
The diagnostic process for pseudohydronephrosis generally involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. Additional tests, including urodynamic studies, may be conducted to confirm the absence of true obstruction.
Treatment for pseudohydronephrosis involves addressing the underlying cause or eliminating the extrinsic factors causing the compression on the ureter. In most cases, once the underlying cause is treated, the symptoms of pseudohydronephrosis resolve spontaneously, and the kidney resumes its normal function.
In summary, pseudohydronephrosis is a condition where there is a temporary or false appearance of hydronephrosis due to external factors compressing the ureter. It is important to accurately diagnose pseudohydronephrosis to differentiate it from true hydronephrosis and ensure appropriate treatment.
The presence of a cyst near the kidney simulating hydronephrosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pseudohydronephrosis" is derived from the combination of three components: "pseudo-", "hydr-", and "nephrosis".
1. "Pseudo-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "false" or "not genuine". It is commonly used to denote something that resembles or imitates but is not actually the real thing.
2. "Hydr-" is a root derived from the Greek word "hydor" meaning "water". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to conditions or structures related to water or fluids.
3. "Nephrosis" is derived from the Greek word "nephros", which means "kidney". It is typically used in medical terminology to describe various diseases or abnormalities of the kidneys.