Anatomical and Clinical Aspects of Horseshoe Kidney: A Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common kidney malformation. This review analyses the literature surrounding the etiology, morphology and clinical anatomy of these kidney fusion anomalies. A systematic literature search was carried out using the Science Direct and Scopus applications. HSK is characterized by three anatomic abnormalities: ectopia, malrotation and vascular changes. The study put emphasis especially on blood supply and upper urinary tract changes in HSK's patients. Arterial blood supply was analysed not only basing on Graves pattern, but also a new model of supply created on horseshoe kidneys computed tomography was taken into account. In addition, study presents clinical aspects of especially significant pathology of HSK, like hydronephrosis, stones and urinary tract infection. This study focuses also on congenital anomalies associated with horseshoe kidney.

A Review of Rare Associations of Horseshoe Kidney: Highlight of a Rare Clinical Case of Polycystic Horseshoe Kidney, Liver Cyst, and Uterine Prolapse

“…[1][2][3] The male to female ratio is 2:1, 3 and although horseshoe kidney has been reported in identical twins and siblings, there is currently no established genetic link. 4 Horseshoe kidney is also seen in individuals with chromosomal anomalies and in 7% of those with Turner's syndrome. 5 The incidence of horseshoe kidney exists in three age groups: 4 in children, the pathology is diagnosed as part of a congenital anomaly; in young adults, it is diagnosed as a component of delayed puberty, for example in Turner's syndrome; and in adult patients, horseshoe kidney is diagnosed incidentally following a transabdominal…”

“…Authors: *Ayun Cassell, 1 Mohamed Jalloh, 1 Papa S. Diop, 2 Mouhamadou M. Mbodji, 1 Medina Ndoye, 1 Abdourahmane Diallo, 1 Saint Charles Kouka, 3 Issa Labou, 1 Lamine Niang, 1 Serigne M. Gueye 1 ultrasound, intravenous urogram, or CT scan for detection of other diseases. 4 In 90% of cases, fusion occurs along the lower pole moiety; however, in 5-10% of patients, fusion may occur along the upper pole giving the appearance of an inverted horseshoe kidney. 4 The isthmus of the horseshoe is usually a fibrous band or parenchymatous renal tissue connecting the horseshoe kidney at lumbar vertebrae 2-4 (L2-L4).…”

“…4 In 90% of cases, fusion occurs along the lower pole moiety; however, in 5-10% of patients, fusion may occur along the upper pole giving the appearance of an inverted horseshoe kidney. 4 The isthmus of the horseshoe is usually a fibrous band or parenchymatous renal tissue connecting the horseshoe kidney at lumbar vertebrae 2-4 (L2-L4). 4 Horseshoe kidney is a developmental variance usually occurring between 4 to 6 weeks of intrauterine life.…”

“…4 The isthmus of the horseshoe is usually a fibrous band or parenchymatous renal tissue connecting the horseshoe kidney at lumbar vertebrae 2-4 (L2-L4). 4 Horseshoe kidney is a developmental variance usually occurring between 4 to 6 weeks of intrauterine life. The fusion of the lower pole of the kidney during this period creates a U-shaped kidney that is prevented from ascending to its normal level at the fourth lumbar vertebra by the inferior mesenteric artery originating from the aorta at the third lumbar vertebra.…”

“…The fusion of the lower pole of the kidney during this period creates a U-shaped kidney that is prevented from ascending to its normal level at the fourth lumbar vertebra by the inferior mesenteric artery originating from the aorta at the third lumbar vertebra. 4 Subsequently, the normal posterior rotation of the kidney is not possible, leaving the renal pelvis in an anterior plane.…”