Multicystic dysplasia and crossed renal ectopia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Urology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Multicystic renal dysplasia (MCRD) is a congenital kidney disorder.
• Crossed renal ectopia is a rare condition where one kidney is located on the opposite side of the abdomen.
• The co-occurrence of MCRD and crossed renal ectopia presents unique diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• Four neonatal cases of MCRD in crossed ectopic kidneys were analyzed.
• Clinical presentation included palpable abdominal mass (3/4) and prenatal diagnosis via maternal sonography (1/4).
• Imaging revealed a multicystic mass contiguous with the lower pole of the orthotopic kidney in three cases.

Findings:

• One case showed a non-visualized dysplastic crossed kidney with a dilated ectopic ureter visualized on CT.
• Ureteropelvic junction obstruction was noted in three cases with fused orthotopic kidneys.
• Characteristic imaging findings include a multicystic mass, hydronephrotic/malrotated kidney, ureteral displacement/dilatation, and contralateral renal agenesis.

Implications:

• Understanding these rare imaging findings is crucial for accurate diagnosis in neonates.
• Early detection through advanced imaging techniques like sonography and CT aids in timely management.
• This condition highlights the spectrum of congenital anomalies affecting kidney development and position.