A pelvic kidney is a kidney that stays in the pelvic area during fetal development and can cause abdominal pain and urinary problems. It can be detected via ultrasound and x-ray and may lead to complications such as Müllerian dysgenesis. Treatment is only necessary if symptoms are present.
A pelvic kidney, also known as an ectopic kidney or pancake kidney, is a condition where the kidney does not resurface from the pelvic area during fetal development. Instead, the kidney stays within the pelvic area and in some cases can function normally or could cause problems. Some of the features of a pelvic kidney include a smaller, more fibrous kidney and a short ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. In many cases, there are no symptoms, but the condition can give way to other complications and diseases related to the heart and skeletal system. If symptoms are present, they commonly result in abdominal pain and urinary problems.
The kidneys begin to form within one month of the start of fetal growth and can be examined before birth via an ultrasound. The mass of extra tissue within the pelvic area can also be detected via a rectal or vaginal exam. This diagnosis, however, needs to be followed up and confirmed with an x-ray to be certain it is a pelvic kidney.
It is common for a pelvic kidney to function normally without any symptoms. If the kidney is not functioning normally or if there is a blockage in the ureter, it can lead to mild or sharp pains within the lower abdomen. In some cases, the kidney is shaped like a “U” and is known as a horseshoe kidney. When this happens, it can lead to kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and urinary tract infections. Complications can also include problems with the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
Müllerian dysgenesis is another complication that often affects women. It is a condition in which the reproductive organs are not developed properly or are missing entirely. Underdeveloped ovaries, a misshapen or misshapen uterus, and a short vagina are commonly associated with a pelvic kidney. Symptoms of this condition include irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. The reproductive system in men can also be affected and can cause undescended testicles.
No treatment is needed for a pelvic kidney if no symptoms are present. In cases where symptoms are present, the kidneys can be removed with surgery. It may also be possible to reposition the kidney, but this has not been proven effective. Some medications can be subscribed to help the patient deal with the symptoms better.
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