urinary pathology

• What are the symptoms of an ectopic kidney?

  In most cases will not cause symptomsIncreased possibility of urinary blockage or stones occurring in some instances, which may cause symptoms prompting investigation
• What are the causes of an ectopic kidney?

  It is a congenital abnormality, which can affect one or both kidneys. The kidneys fail to ascend during foetal development.
• What is the radiographic appearance of an ectopic kidney?

  On a radiograph, the soft tissue outline of the kidney may be visible, but ectopic kidney may be more evident if patient has received an injection of contrast mediaOften picked up incidentally on an examination for other indications
• What is the treatment for an ectopic kidney?

  Treatment options vary based on presence of symptoms or complicationsIf obstruction is present, preventing urine drainage, surgical correction of the kidney position can allow better drainageIf there is extensive renal damage, nephrectomy (kidney removal) is indicated
• What is the prognosis for an ectopic kidney?

  Generally good prognosis, if there are no symptoms, or necessary surgery is performed. Otherwise further complications may develop:Hypertension (high blood pressure)Infection and calculus (stone) formation may be more prevalent if there are ongoing problems with urine drainageIf reflux is present (urine backing up into kidney) then renal failure may result
• What is a horseshoe kidney?

  A condition where the lower poles of the two kidneys fuse, causing a characteristic 'horseshoe' shapeFound in approx 1 in 400 adultsMore common in males.
• What are the symptoms of a horseshoe kidney?

  A horseshoe kidney usually produces no symptoms because the collecting systems develop normally and the ureters enter the bladderHowever if urinary flow does become impeded, signs and symptoms of obstruction (urinary stones, hydronephrosis) and/or infection may appear.
• What causes a horseshoe kidney?

  A congenital disorder which occurs during the embryonic stage of development. It is not known what causes this to occur
• What is the radiographic appearance of a horseshoe kidney?

  May not be clearly evident on a radiograph, unless patient has received a contrast media injectionIntravenous urogram (IVU) was previously useful for diagnosis, however more often now diagnosed via US or CT, often incidentally if patient is not experiencing renal symptomsCT is more definitive than X-ray for diagnosis and the level of fusion, known as the isthmus, can also be more accurately determined.
• What is the treatment for kidney stones?

  Depends on location, composition and size of stoneApproximately 90% of stones less than 4mm are likely to pass naturally down the ureter and into the bladder, and thus often require no more than analgesia and hydration (+/- antibiotics to prevent infection)'Shock wave lithotripsy' may be used for small calculiIf kidney is obstructed and/or severely infected a percutaneous nephrostomy should be performed on an emergency basis to save the organ and prevent sepsis.
• What is a stag horn calculus?

  A type of renal calculi which grow very large.Composed of struvite (magnesium base) which can grow to form a cast of the renal pelvis and calices - resulting in the characteristic outline/shape, resembling the horns of a stag.