The ectopic kidney in the emergency department

Renal ectopia can present as abdominal pain and be a predisposing factor to several pathologies seen in the genitourinary system. We present the case of a 21-year-old man with intermittent right lower quadrant abdominal pain who was found to have a nonfunctioning pelvic kidney and underwent nephrectomy. Although specific findings on renal ectopia are often absent, associated congenital defects above the pelvic organs raise the suspicion for renal ectopia. Early detection and recognition of the ectopic kidney can prevent long-term complications.