Crossed Unfused Ectopic Pelvic Kidneys: A Case Illustration

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Imaging
• Embryology

Background:

• Crossed unfused ectopia is a rare congenital kidney anomaly with an incidence of approximately 1:75,000.
• Renal ectopia involves kidneys developing in an abnormal location, with crossed unfused ectopia being a specific subtype where both kidneys are on the same side of the body.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old male incidentally discovered to have crossed unfused ectopic kidneys.
• The patient also presented with an incidental bladder lesion.
• The unique vascular supply of the ectopic kidneys was documented.

Findings:

• Detailed description of a rare case of crossed unfused ectopic kidneys.
• Documentation of the unique blood supply associated with this specific renal ectopia.
• The case highlights various subtypes of renal ectopia, their embryological origins, and associated anomalies.

Implications:

• Recognizing variations in renal ectopia and their vasculature is critical for accurate diagnosis and management.
• This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation when anomalies are incidentally discovered.
• Understanding embryological hypotheses aids in comprehending the development of these rare kidney malformations.