Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
Published on: April 25, 2025
Horseshoe kidney with unilateral single ectopic ureter
Samarth Agarwal1, Ram Niwas Yadav1, Manoj Kumar1
1Department of Urology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Horseshoe kidney (HSK), a common congenital anomaly, is rarely associated with a unilateral single ectopic ureter. This case report details the rare radiological and surgical findings of this unique genitourinary presentation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a relatively common congenital renal anomaly, affecting approximately 0.25% of the general population.
- HSK exhibits a higher prevalence in males (2:1 ratio) and is frequently associated with other genitourinary anomalies.
- While ureteral duplication is observed in 10% of HSK cases, the co-occurrence with a single-system ectopic ureter is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- This report presents a unique case of horseshoe kidney (HSK) associated with a unilateral single ectopic ureter.
- Radiological findings revealed the specific anatomical configuration of the HSK and the ectopic ureter.
- Surgical findings corroborated the radiological diagnosis, highlighting the rarity of this specific presentation.
Findings:
- The study highlights the extreme rarity of horseshoe kidney (HSK) associated with a unilateral single ectopic ureter.
- No prior reports in the literature document a similar combination of congenital anomalies.
- This case underscores the spectrum of genitourinary anomalies that can occur with HSK.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the understanding of rare genitourinary malformations associated with horseshoe kidney.
- Highlights the importance of thorough radiological and surgical evaluation in complex HSK cases.
- Provides valuable insights for clinicians managing patients with rare congenital renal and ureteral anomalies.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Ureters
Kidney Structure
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...

