What are the complications of horseshoe kidney?

What are the complications of horseshoe kidney?

Complications associated with horseshoe kidney include pelviureteric junction obstruction, renal stones, infection, tumors, and trauma. It can also be associated with abnormalities of cardiovascular, central nervous, musculoskeletal and genitourinary systems, as well as chromosomal abnormalities.

What happens during horseshoe kidney?

It occurs during fetal development as the kidneys move into their normal position. With horseshoe kidney, as the kidneys of the fetus rise from the pelvic area, they become attached (“fuse”) together at the lower end or base. By fusing, they form into a U shape, like a horseshoe.

What artery does a horseshoe kidney get stuck on?

The normal ascent of the kidneys allows the organs to take their place in the abdomen below the adrenal glands. However, with a horseshoe kidney, ascent into the abdomen is restricted by the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) which hooks over the isthmus.

How do you diagnose a horseshoe kidney?

Horseshoe kidneys can be identified using most abdominal imaging modalities. The diagnosis of a horseshoe kidney is most commonly made using either ultrasound or intravenous urography. CT and MRI are the best for demonstrating the anatomy and can detect accessory vasculature and surrounding structures.

Why are horseshoe kidneys low lying?

The normal ascent of the kidneys allows the organs to take their place in the abdomen below the adrenal glands. However, with a horseshoe kidney, ascent into the abdomen is restricted by the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) which hooks over the isthmus. Hence horseshoe kidneys are low lying.

What is the difference between crossed fused ectopia and crossed horseshoe kidney?

Horseshoe kidney is generally differentiated from crossed fused ectopia, in which both fused kidneys lie on one side of the spine, and the ureter of the crossed kidney crosses the midline to enter the bladder. Plain radiograph of the abdomen shows calcific opacities in the region of left lower renal pole.

Do horseshoe kidney stones require 24 hour urine testing?

It is recommended that patients with horseshoe kidneys who develop stones undergo a 24 hour urine test for kidney stone prevention analysis and treatment.

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