Congenital Positional Renal Anomalies - CT Based Pictorial Essay
Keywords:
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, CAKUT, Horseshoe kidney, malrotation, renal ectopia, crossed renal ectopia, crossed fused renal ectopiaAbstract
Background:
Congenital anomalies of kidney rotation, position, and fusion are very common and are frequently identified by chance. They can be considered as a “normal variant,” as long as they do not cause complications. However the may be associated with urinary drainage impairment, stone formation, dysplasia, vesicoureteric reflux, infection, hypertension, other associated malformations and renal failure in childhood or as adults. Renal fusion anomalies often coincide with genital tract malformations due to shared embryological origins and can affect other organ systems like the skeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.
Objective:
This educational article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the aetiology, classification, diagnosis, and clinical implications of these anomalies, enhancing the understanding of renal positional anomalies among healthcare professionals.
Conclusion:
Imaging plays a pivotal role in aiding in early detection, follow-up, surgical planning, and identification of complications and associated malformations. Early diagnosis and management, whether medical or surgical, are imperative to mitigate renal damage and delay or prevent progression to end-stage renal disease.
