Crossed fused renal ectopia presenting as recurrent lower abdominal pain and urinary tract infection

Afr J Med Med Sci. 2013 Jun;42(2):193-6.

Abstract

Background: Crossed fused renal ectopia is a relatively rare condition which may remain undiagnosed for a long time. Renal function is usually preserved. It usually involves the left kidney. It is usually associated with mal-rotation, and may be a cause of urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis and renal calculi.

Material and method: We report a case of a 15-year old boy who was referred to our clinic with complaints of abdominal pain, and an ultrasound report of "absent right kidney".

Results: Urine examination indicated a partially treated infection, but the tests of kidney functions were normal. Intravenous urography confirmed crossed fused renal ectopia, and a flush aortogram showed two anomalous right renal arteries arising from the left side of aorta.

Conclusion: An "absent" kidney in its normal location should prompt further investigations. Recurrent chronic lower abdominal pain and urinary tract infection in a young person may be due to congenital renal abnormality. Evaluation of persistent urinary abnormalities in a child should include screening for congenital abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis*
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Angiography
  • Choristoma / complications
  • Choristoma / congenital*
  • Choristoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Kidney / abnormalities*
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Diseases / complications
  • Kidney Diseases / congenital*
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Recurrence
  • Renal Artery / abnormalities*
  • Renal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / etiology
  • Urography