Horseshoe kidney
Horseshoe kidney Causes
Horseshoe kidney may arise as an isolated anomaly or in association with other congenital anomalies. The morbidity and mortality rates greatly depend on whether it is associated with other anomalies.
Horseshoe kidney Definition
Horseshoe kidney (also called renal fusion) is a congenital disorder, affecting about 1 in 400 people, in which a person's two kidneys fuse together to form a horseshoe-shape during development in the womb.
Horseshoe kidney Diagnosis
Clinically, this congenital anomaly is diagnosed in individuals of all ages; horseshoe kidney is found prenatally, as well as in elderly people. Because of its association with other congenital anomalies, however, horseshoe kidney is more commonly diagnosed in children.
Horseshoe kidney Symptoms and Signs
The central part of the kidney ends up inferior to the inferior mesenteric artery, since its embryological ascent is arrested by its presence. This is the most common type of fusion anomaly occurring in the kidneys. Persons affected by this disease may suffer from nausea, abdominal discomfort, kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Horseshoe kidney Treatment
There is no known cure for horseshoe kidney. Instead, the treatment is targeted at the accompanying diseases, such as urinary tract infections and hydronephrosis. The prognosis is positive in the long term, and usually the function of the kidneys will not be affected.