Renal-ovarian axis: a case report and review
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
George Gavallos1, Ossama Tawfik, Duke Herrell
1Department of Urology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
Abstract:
The renal-ovarian axis is a unique and rare phenomenon manifested by an interesting interrelationship between the ovary and kidney. The similar embryologic development, the histologic similarities of these malignancies, and asymmetric venous outflow represent the foundation of this theoretical axis. A poor understanding of this metastatic spread has led to missed, or delayed, diagnosis of the primary malignancy. We describe the only case of a late recurrent metastatic ovarian carcinoma masquerading as a solitary renal cell carcinoma. An exhaustive review of published English reports evaluating the renal-ovarian axis was undertaken to characterize and understand the nuances of this entity.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Ovaries
On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal...

