Ectopic thoracic kidney: evaluation using 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid SPECT-CT

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Urogenital Imaging
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Ectopic kidney refers to an abnormal kidney position, with thoracic kidney being exceedingly rare.
• Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) represent a spectrum of developmental abnormalities.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old male presented with an incidentally discovered left ectopic thoracic kidney.
• Diagnostic imaging utilized technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) SPECT-CT.

Findings:

• The SPECT-CT imaging successfully visualized and confirmed the presence of a left ectopic thoracic kidney.
• This case highlights the utility of nuclear medicine imaging in characterizing rare renal anomalies.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in incidental findings.
• Accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging like SPECT-CT is crucial for appropriate patient management and follow-up.