Horseshoe kidney

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Horseshoe kidney
Synonyms	Renal fusion
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Nephrology, Urology
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, hydronephrosis
Complications	Obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, increased risk of Wilms' tumor
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Developmental anomaly during fetal development
Risks	Genetic factors, environmental factors
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Polycystic kidney disease, renal ectopia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Symptomatic treatment, surgical intervention if necessary
Medication	Antibiotics for infections, analgesics for pain
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	1 in 500 people
Deaths	Rarely directly causes death

X-ray imaging of a horseshoe kidney

Horseshoe Kidney is a congenital disorder that results in the fusion of the kidneys at the lower poles, forming a U-shape or horseshoe shape. This condition is also known as Ren Arcuatus.

Overview

Horseshoe kidney occurs in about 1 in 500 births, making it one of the most common types of renal fusion anomalies. Despite its prevalence, the condition often goes undiagnosed because it typically causes no symptoms. However, it can sometimes lead to complications such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and hydronephrosis.

Causes

The exact cause of horseshoe kidney is unknown. It is believed to occur during the early stages of fetal development when the kidneys move into their normal position in the lower abdomen. For reasons not fully understood, the lower poles of the kidneys fuse together.

Symptoms

Most people with horseshoe kidney have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Urinary tract infections

Diagnosis

Horseshoe kidney is often diagnosed during an imaging test for another condition. Imaging tests that can detect horseshoe kidney include:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

Treatment

Treatment for horseshoe kidney typically involves managing symptoms and preventing complications. This can include medications to prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

See Also

• Kidney
• Kidney Diseases
• Congenital Disorders

References

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