Horseshoe Kidney

  • Etiology: ascending kidneys hooked on inferior mesenteric vein leading to fusion of lower poles and anteriorly placed renal pelvis + ureters
  • Imaging: challenge is how to determine lengths of left and right kidney components
  • Complications: prone to stasis / stone / infection / scarring, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, increased risk of bleeding secondary to trauma due to isthmus anterior to spine, increased risk of cancer

Cases of Horseshoe Kidney

CT of horseshoe kidney
Axial CT with contrast of the abdomen shows the densely enhancing lower poles of the kidneys to be angulated medially (above) and to eventually fuse in the midline (below).