Horseshoe Kidney

Definition
• 2 functioning kidneys connected at
the lower pole by an isthmus
consist of functioning parenchyma
or fibrous tissue that makes it look
like a “U” shape or a horseshoe

Epidemiology
• Occurs in 1:500 births
• 2 times more likely in males
Pathogenesis
2 Theories:
(We
ek 5
)
1. Mechanical fusion
(Fibrous isthmus)

2. Teratogenic event
(Parenchyma isthmus)
Posterior nephrogenic
cell
(Ascending:
week 8)
• Typically no symptoms
• Normal life span
• Commonly diagnosed incidentally
on abdominal imaging
No treatment required for the horseshoe kidney alone, but since it
makes the kidney susceptible to disease, treat the disease (if any) as
indicated

Horseshoe kidneys are associated with:

• Stone formation
• Infection
• Certain tumor
• Wilm’s tumor (the most common renal tumor in children)
• Chromosomal abnormality
• Turner
• Trisomy 13, 18, 21
Complication
• PU junction obstruction
• Renal stones
• Infection
• Tumors