Subdiaphragmatic Ectopic Kidney: A 12-Year Follow-Up Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Medical Imaging
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Subdiaphragmatic ectopic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Distinguishing it from renal agenesis can be challenging, particularly with prenatal imaging.
• Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary interventions or inadequate follow-up.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a 12-year follow-up of a patient with prenatally misdiagnosed subdiaphragmatic ectopic kidney.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges in differentiating ectopic kidney from renal agenesis.
• To emphasize the efficacy of conservative management and the importance of appropriate surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Case report with a 12-year longitudinal follow-up.
• Review of prenatal and postnatal imaging (including thoracic imaging).
• Assessment of clinical course and management outcomes.

Main Results:

• The patient, initially diagnosed with renal agenesis, was found to have a subdiaphragmatic ectopic kidney.
• Conservative management was successful over the 12-year follow-up period.
• No surgical intervention was required.

Conclusions:

• Accurate differentiation between renal agenesis and ectopic kidney is crucial.
• Conservative management can be effective for correctly identified ectopic kidneys.
• Increased awareness of these anomalies is vital for preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring appropriate pediatric surveillance.