Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Horseshoe kidney, also known as renal fusion, is a congenital disorder affecting about 1 in 400 people[1]. In this disorder, the patient’s kidneys fuse together to form a horseshoe-shape during development in the womb.
Fusion abnormalities of the kidney can be categorized into two groups: horseshoe kidney and crossed fused ectopia. The horseshoe kidney is the most common renal fusion anomaly.
In patients with this disorder, the central portion of the kidney will be found just inferior to the inferior mesenteric artery because its embryologic ascent is arrested by its presence. Persons affected by this disease may experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, kidney stones and urinary tract infections. There is currently no cure for renal fusion other than symptomatic treatment.
While most cases of horseshoe kidneys are asymptomatic and discovered upon autopsy, the condition may increase the risk for:
The prevalence of horseshoe kidneys in females with Turner Syndrome is about 15%.[2]
It can be associated with trisomy 18.[3]
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