Unraveling recurrent urinary tract infection in adulthood: a rare case report of unilateral partial duplex collecting system with ureterocele

INTRODUCTION: Duplication of the renal collecting system, known as the duplex collecting system, is a common congenital anomaly of the urinary tract. It can be partial or complete and affects 0.7–4% of the population, with a higher incidence in females. Ureteroceles are cystic dilations of the distal ureter and are often asymptomatic, particularly in adults. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors present a case of a newly diagnosed partial duplex collecting system of the left kidney and left intravesical ureterocele, which was diagnosed for the first time at the age of 47 years, along with a history of symptoms suggestive of recurrent urinary tract infection and a urethral calculus which was surgically managed 5 years ago. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The presence of a duplex collecting system can be observed even in males, with the possibility of recurrent urinary tract infection and the rare occurrence of an intravesical ureterocele. While ureteroceles are typically considered a congenital condition, they can also be diagnosed in adults. CONCLUSION: A partial duplex collecting system of the left kidney with left intravesical ureterocele in the age of 47 years in a male is a rare occurrence. Diagnosis and management of such urological cases can be challenging especially in a resource limited setting, which can be mitigated by awareness of unusual presentations, proper antenatal care, and access to proper diagnostic tools.