Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
Incidentally detected right partially fused, malrotated, supernumerary kidney
Nishanth Raavani Kumaraswamy1, Sushmita Balol1, Vittal Manohar1
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, India.
Abstract:
Supernumerary kidney (SK) is an uncommon anomaly of the urinary tract, usually occurring on the left side. A rare case of a partially-fused, SK on the right side is presented. The diagnosis is made through the identification of a distinct pelvicalyceal system along with its supplying renal artery and vein, utilising ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
Contribution:
Correct diagnosis of partially-fused, supernumerary kidneys based on imaging is crucial to avoid unnecessary procedures, so that asymptomatic cases are managed conservatively.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Kidney Structure
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...
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Nephrons

