Horseshoe kidney is a renal fusion abnormality where the kidneys fuse into a U shape that crosses the midline of the body. It can cause kidney stones, urinary tract blockages, kidney tumors, and urinary tract infections. Treatment is only recommended when it causes a problem, and patients may receive advice to prevent complications.
Horseshoe kidney is a renal fusion abnormality that occurs in about one in 500 births. Like other renal fusion abnormalities, this condition is characterized by abnormalities during fetal development that cause the kidneys to fuse. In the case of this particular kidney abnormality, the kidneys are fused into a U shape that crosses the midline of the body; the name is a reference to the fact that the fused kidneys can resemble a horseshoe.
Many people with horseshoe kidney are unaware that they have this abnormality and have no health problems due to their slightly unusual kidneys. In other cases, the change in the shape of the kidney can make people prone to kidney stones, urinary tract blockages, kidney tumors, and urinary tract infections. In these cases, a medical imaging study may reveal a horseshoe kidney, explaining why the patient is experiencing recurring problems, and treatment may be focused on addressing the problem.
Some people with horseshoe kidney also have other developmental abnormalities. In these cases, this condition may be diagnosed as part of diagnosing a larger constellation of medical problems. Trisomy 18, in particular, commonly causes renal fusion abnormalities. In these cases, the abnormalities can be diagnosed in utero or soon after birth. Horseshoe kidney can cause various medical problems for the patient.
There is no cure for horseshoe kidney. Although the shape of the kidneys is a bit unusual, they should continue to function normally in most patients. Slight variations in anatomy can make people more or less prone to complications due to their kidney configuration. Doctors generally only recommend treatment when the horseshoe kidney is causing a problem such as an infection, in which case the treatment is surgery for the medical problem, rather than the kidney abnormality.
People with horseshoe kidney who have problems such as recurring infections and blockages may receive advice designed to prevent or reduce the incidence of these complications. Changing your diet, taking certain medications, and so on can sometimes help with these common problems. It is also advisable that patients who know they have a renal fusion abnormality inform their doctors, as it may become relevant in medical treatment. It’s also helpful for new doctors to be aware of a history that includes congenital anomalies, so that when they are identified, the doctor knows the patient is aware of the problem.
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