Acute pyelonephritis revealing an exceptional form of horseshoe kidney: A case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2023 Aug:109:108607. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108607. Epub 2023 Aug 2.

Abstract

Introduction: The horseshoe kidney is a malformation of the upper urinary tract where the kidney is U-shaped. This condition results the fusion of the lower poles of the right and left kidneys on the midline.

Case presentation: We report a case of pyelonephritis revealing a rare form of horseshoe kidney with fusion of the lower pole of the right kidney with the upper pole of the left kidney, initially treated with urine drainage.

Discussion: Multiple etiological conditions may contribute to the development of a horseshoe kidney, in particular: the genetic/chromosomal predisposition, intrauterine environment and structural factors affecting kidney development and migration.

Conclusion: Horseshoe kidneys reveal a veritable range of anatomical and embryological peculiarities, always suspect pyelonephritis on a horseshoe kidney in the presence of febrile abdominal pain in a patient with malformations.

Keywords: Case report; Fibrous isthmus; Horseshoe kidneys; Metanephric; Renal fusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports