Horse-shoe kidney with multiple renal arteries - a case report

Elezy MA, Rarnakrishnan PK, Aswin Das M, Jijoe John V

Abstract
Horse shoe kidney is one of the most common renal fusion anomalies. Although many times this malformation can be symptomatic, there are various problems that may accompany the horseshoe kidney. The vascular supply pattern of horseshoe kidney is also quite interesting. We report a case of horse shoe kidney which was diagnosed incidentally. Multidetector CT urography showed fusion of lower poles of kidneys below the origin of inferior mesenteric artery. CT angiography of the renal vessels demonstrated three accessory renal arteries on both sides, two arising from the aorta and a third accessory artery arising from the corresponding common iliac artery. Two renal veins were noted on the right side, draining independently into the inferior vena cava. Once a fused kidney is diagnosed or suspected, further laboratory and imaging evaluation should be performed to assess the status of the kidneys and to look for treatable causes of renal pathology. The early diagnosis of potential complications that can accompany this anomaly must be made in order to prevent permanent renal damage

Key words: Horse shoe kidney, Accessory renal arteries, Renal fusion anomalies