Renal Anatomy

  • Renal Pathology Atlas

  • Horseshoe Kidney

    • Usually found antenatally, asymptomatically
      • 90% fused at the inferior pole
      • 10% at superior pole
      • Become trapped under the IMA around L3
  • May compress ureters
  • Kidney function usually normal
    • Postnatal ultrasound to evaluate for possible hydronephrosis
      • ± Abdominal and Pelvic CT (with and without contrast)
      • Serum Cr and GFR
    • Increased risk for kidney stones and complicated pyelonephritis
    • Greater risk to worsening kidney function
    • Increased risk of malignancies (Wilms Tumor)
    • Consider Turner’s Syndrome (50%-60% have horseshoe kidneys)
    • Routine F/U and Close Surveillance
  • Renal Agenesis
    • Absent Kidney formation, may be unilateral or bilateral
    • Potter Sequence
      • Bilateral Agenesis leading to oligohydramnios with lung hypoplasia, flat face with low set ears, and developmental defects of the extremities
  • Dysplastic Kidney
    • Non-inherited congenital malformation of the renal parenchyma characterized by cysts and abnormal tissue (cartilage)
    • Usually unilateral, may be bilateral