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HORSESHOE KIDNEY
HORSESHOE KIDNEY PageThe Childrens Medical Center Abiodun
Omoloja, M.D. Leonardo M. Canessa, M.D.
Nephrology Department Pediatric Nephrology Medical Director
Phone: 937-641-3304 One Childrens Plaza, Dayton, Ohio 45404
Fax: 937-641-5091 e-mail: [email protected]
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Horseshoe Kidney
This form explains about Horseshoe Kidney and what to expect if
your child comes toDayton Childrens, Nephrology Department for
evaluation and / or treatment.
What is a horseshoe kidney?
Horseshoe kidney occurs in about one in 500 children. It occurs
during fetal development as the kidneys move intotheir normal
position in the flank area (area around the side, just above the
waist). With horseshoe kidney,however, as the kidneys of the fetus
rise from the pelvic area, they fuse together at the lower end or
base. Byfusing, they form a "U" shape, which gives it the name
"horseshoe."
Horseshoe kidney is a kidney disorder that's present at birth
(congenital). Sometimes during the early fetaldevelopment, the
kidney tissue doesn't fully separate into two kidneys. The result
is one U-shaped kidney.
One-third of individuals with horseshoe kidney will have at
least one other anomaly or complication involving thecardiovascular
system, the central nervous system, or the genitourinary system,
such as the following:
kidney stones crystals / proteins that form stones in the kidney
that may lead to a urinary obstruction.
hydronephrosis - enlargement of the kidneys that usually results
from a urinary tract obstruction.
Wilms tumor - an embryonic tumor of the kidneys that usually
occurs during early childhood.
renal cancer, or polycystic kidney disease hydrocephaly and/or
spina bifida
various cardiovascular, gastrointestinal findings (i.e.,
anorectal malformations, malrotated bowel), orskeletal problems
(i.e., cleft lip/palate, clubfoot, polydactyly)Horseshoe kidney can
occur alone or in combination with other disorders.
What are the symptoms of horseshoe kidney?
About one-third of children will have no symptoms. One-third of
individuals with horseshoe kidney will have anotheranomaly or other
complications. Symptoms will vary depending upon which body system
is involved. Thesymptoms of horseshoe kidney may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Always consult your
child'sphysician for a diagnosis.
How is horseshoe kidney diagnosed?
In a child without symptoms, diagnosis or treatment may not be
necessary. If your child is having any of thementioned
complications, your child's physician may order one or more of the
following diagnostic tests:
renal ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique that uses
high-frequency sound waves and a computerto create images of blood
vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal
organs as theyfunction, and to assess blood flow through various
vessels.
7/30/2019 Complication of Horseshoe Kidney
2/2
HORSESHOE KIDNEY
HORSESHOE KIDNEY PageThe Childrens Medical Center Abiodun
Omoloja, M.D. Leonardo M. Canessa, M.D.
Nephrology Department Pediatric Nephrology Medical Director
Phone: 937-641-3304 One Childrens Plaza, Dayton, Ohio 45404
Fax: 937-641-5091 e-mail: [email protected]
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voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) - a specific x-ray that examines
theurinary tract. A catheter (hollow tube) is placed in the urethra
(tube that drains urinefrom the bladder to the outside of the body)
and the bladder is filled with a liquid dye. X-ray images will be
taken as
the bladder fills and empties. The images will show if there is
any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and kidneys. intravenous
pyelogram (IVP) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses an
x-ray to view the structuresof the urinary tract. An intravenous
contrast of dye is given so that the structures can be seen on
film. An IVP alsoreveals the rate and path of urine flow through
the urinary tract.
blood tests (to determine how well the kidneys may be
functioning)
urine tests (including a culture)
Treatment for horseshoe kidney:
In a child without symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. If
your child has complications, he/she may requiresupportive
treatment, which means his/her symptoms will be treated, but there
is no cure for the condition.
Specific treatment for horseshoe kidney will be determined by
your child's physician based on:
your child's age, overall health, and medical history
the extent of the disorder
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or
therapies
expectations for the course of the disorder
your opinion or preferenceYour child may be referred to an
urologist (a physician who specializes in disorders and care of the
urinary tractand the male genital tract) and/or a nephrologist (a
physician who specializes in disorders or diseases of thekidney)
for evaluation.
You can seek more information from our Family Resource Center
located on the 2nd
floor of the Taggart Pavilion or
from the following web sites:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
LC 06/05
