Horseshoe kidney is a horseshoe-shaped deformity in which the lower poles of the two kidneys are fused to each other in front of the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava.
The incidence of horseshoe kidney is about 25/10,000. 95% of horseshoe kidneys are connected at the lower pole, and the isthmus is usually made up of renal parenchyma, which is thicker and has a separate blood supply, and in a few cases, it is made up of fibrous tissue. Most of the affected kidneys are malrotated so that the renal pelvis faces anteriorly and the calyces posteriorly, and the renal vasculature is variable.
Imaging is helpful to confirm the diagnosis. If there are no symptoms and comorbidities, no treatment is necessary. If there are severe abdominal pain, back pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are due to the compression of the renal isthmus on the celiac plexus, or the presence of comorbidities, such as obstruction, stones, infection, etc., appropriate surgeries, such as separating the isthmus, removing the stones, and relieving the obstruction, can be performed.
If the horseshoe kidney is found, it is recommended that the patient go to the regular hospital to receive timely examination, and choose the appropriate treatment under the guidance of the specialist to avoid adverse consequences.