[The pediatric pelvic kidney--a retrospective analysis]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Nephrology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pelvic kidney, a congenital anomaly where the kidney is located in the pelvic cavity, can be mistaken for renal agenesis.
• Understanding the function and associated pathologies of pelvic kidneys is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate children diagnosed with pelvic ectopic kidney.
• To assess initial renal function and the development of concomitant urological pathologies.
• To analyze follow-up data regarding renal function and the need for surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 17 children (8 female, 9 male) with pelvic ectopic kidneys diagnosed between 1994 and 2002.
• Utilized nuclear medicine scans to assess renal function and ultrasonography for anatomical evaluation.
• Reviewed case notes for presenting symptoms, associated pathologies, and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• 10/17 children were initially investigated for suspected renal agenesis.
• Nuclear scans showed reduced function of the ectopic kidney (one-third) compared to orthotopic kidneys (two-thirds), but overall global renal clearance was normal.
• 4/17 children (23.5%) required surgical correction for associated conditions like vesicoureteric reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
• Left-sided pelvic kidneys were more common (64.7%).

Conclusions:

• Pelvic ectopic kidney should be considered in cases of suspected renal agenesis on ultrasonography.
• Despite reduced individual kidney function, overall renal function in children with pelvic kidneys is typically normal and stable.
• A significant proportion of children with pelvic kidneys may present with or develop concomitant urological pathologies requiring management.