Spontaneous rupture of the ureter.

A case of spontaneous perforation of the ureter in a 58-year-old woman is described. The difficulties in differential diagnosis from acute intraperitoneal catastrophes and the helpful role of the urgent intravenous pyelogram in atypical cases are stressed. The literature has been reviewed to yield 41 previous cases, and some of the common factors in aetiology, diagnosis and management are discussed.