Horseshoe kidneys are found in 3% of the population and are probably the most common of all renal fusion anomalies. This anomaly consists of two distinct renal masses lying vertically on either side of the midline and connected at their respective lower poles by a parenchymatous or fibrous isthmus. In a male fetus, aged 32 weeks of gestation, horseshoe kidney was observed during anatomical dissection. Variations in the position of the ureter and the arterial supply were also noted. Although most cases of horseshoe kidneys are asymptomatic and discovered upon autopsy, the condition may increase the risk for ureteric obstruction, venacaval obstruction due to abnormal placement of ureter, renal infections associated with vesicoureteral reflux, renal stones due to deviant orientation of kidneys combined with slow urine flow and increased risk of renal cancer.
Key words: Horseshoe kidney, ureter, renal artery, carcinoma, vesicoureteral reflux, renal stones
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