Pancake kidney: when it is not a problem.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pediatric Urology
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Pancake kidney is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the complete fusion of medial renal parenchyma, forming a single lobulated mass.
• Despite fusion, dual collecting systems and normally entering ureters are retained, though anomalous rotation can lead to complications.
• This condition is often incidentally discovered and may increase susceptibility to urinary tract infections or stone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a male patient with a pelvic pancake kidney.
• To discuss the management of a non-symptomatic pancake kidney.
• To emphasize a conservative approach in managing incidentally discovered pancake kidney.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a male patient with pelvic pancake kidney.
• Review of diagnostic imaging modalities including ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and radionucleotide scanning.
• Conservative management including regular follow-up and laboratory testing.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a non-symptomatic pelvic pancake kidney.
• A conservative approach was elected, involving regular follow-up visits and laboratory testing.
• Unnecessary investigations and extensive surgery were avoided.

Conclusions:

• Pancake kidney, though rare, can present asymptomatically.
• A conservative management strategy is appropriate for non-symptomatic pancake kidney cases.
• Regular monitoring can effectively manage this condition without invasive interventions.