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Simple Renal Ectopia

Definition of Simple Renal Ectopia

Simple renal ectopia is the abnormal position of the kidney outside of the renal fossa in a cranial or caudal direction.

Location (from cranial to caudal):

• Thoracic kidney: position of the kidney above the diaphragm in the posterior mediastinum. The kidney is separated from the pleural cavity by a thin membrane in the continuity of the diaphragm.
• Normal kidney position: in the renal fossa.
• Lumbar position: location in the iliac fossa.
• Pelvic kidney [fig. tomography of a pelvic kidney]: position of the kidney below the aortic bifurcation.

Renal ectopia: urography (with tomography) reveals a left-sided pelvic kidney. With kind permission, Dr. G. Antes, Kempten.

Epidemiology of simple renal ectopia:

1:500 to 1:1200, slightly more often on the left side.

Causes (Etiology) of Renal Ectopia

Renal ectopia is caused by a disorder of renal ascension. Genetic or teratogenic causes are probable due to frequent coexisting genital abnormalities. The renal pelvis is often anterior to the renal parenchyma since renal rotation is also disturbed. The vascular supply of the ectopic kidney is abnormal, often with several vessels from the distal aorta or iliac vessels.

Signs and Symptoms of Renal Ectopia

Urological complications:

The most common problem is hydronephrosis, followed by vesicoureteral reflux or nephrolithiasis.

Malformations of the genital organs:

In 15%, malformations of the genital organs are present. In women: vagina and uterine malformations. In men: cryptorchidism, duplicate urethra, and hypospadias.

Treatment of Renal Ectopia

Treatment is only necessary for symptoms.

References

  Deutsche Version: Einfache Nierenektopie