Horseshoe Kidney (Renal Fusion): Causes & Treatment

Overview

• Horseshoe Kidney: A congenital condition where the kidneys fuse during fetal development, forming a horseshoe shape.
• Incidence: Affects 1 in 500 people, more common in males.
• Seriousness: Generally not serious; many live normal lives.

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptoms:
  • Often asymptomatic.
  • Possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, frequent UTIs, kidney stones, abdominal pain, and hematuria.
• Causes: Unclear; relates to genetic anomalies during fetal development.
• Complications:
  • Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction (most common).
  • Vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, renovascular hypertension.
  • Increased risk of kidney cancer.

Associated Conditions

• Chromosomal: Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Patau syndrome, Edwards syndrome.
• Non-chromosomal: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Goltz syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, Pallister-Hall syndrome, VATER syndrome.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Often discovered incidentally.
• Tests:
  • Physical exam, urinalysis, kidney function tests (eGFR, BUN, creatine clearance).
  • Imaging: Ultrasound, VCUG, radionuclide scan, X-rays, MRI, CT scan.

Management and Treatment

• Treatment: Not always necessary if asymptomatic.
  • Antibiotics for infections.
  • Surgery for kidney stones or urinary obstructions.
• Surgical Removal: Usually not performed as horseshoe kidneys are benign.

Prevention and Outlook

• Prevention: No known preventive measures.
• Prognosis: Generally positive; regular monitoring is recommended.

Living With Horseshoe Kidney

• Avoid contact sports to prevent injury due to the kidney’s front position.
• Use of medical alert bracelets recommended.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

• Symptoms like abdominal pain, kidney stones, frequent UTIs.

Common Questions

• Kidney Donation: Possible but uncommon.
• No Blame: Not caused by parental actions during pregnancy.

Cleveland Clinic Care

• Personalized treatments available at Cleveland Clinic.
• Regular checkups advised for monitoring kidney health and cancer signs.

The Cleveland Clinic provides comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans for those with kidney conditions, ensuring a supportive environment tailored to each patient's needs.