Intrathoracic Kidney – A Case Report and Literature Review
Published: 2020-06-29
Page: 63-67
Issue: 2020 - Volume 3 [Issue 1]
Siying Yeow *
Department of Urology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, 768828, Singapore.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Intrathoracic kidneys are the most uncommon type of renal ectopia, accounting for less than 5% of all cases of renal ectopia, with a reported incidence of less than 5 per 1 million.
We describe a case of an incidental left intrathoracic kidney and a literature review on the cases reported thus far.
Results: A left infra-diaphragmatic intrathoracic kidney was incidentally detected in a 65-year old male on imaging. It has the characteristic features of a high origin for its renal vessels, malrotation of the kidney, and a long ureter.
Discussion: Unlike some of the cases in published literature, it was not associated with a congenital diaphragmatic defect (Bochdalek hernia).
Most patients with asymptomatic intrathoracic kidneys do not require intervention. However, some of the cases in published literature have been associated with pelviureterojunction obstruction ( PUJO), renal pelvis stone formation, as well as malignancy.
Keywords: Intrathoracic kidney, renal ectopia, malignancy, pelviureterojunction obstruction