Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
11:47
Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes
Published on: March 4, 2022
Duplication of the kidney: a potential diagnostic pitfall
Urologic Radiology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Complete kidney duplication with ectopic ureterocele is often missed in children with reflux nephropathy. Surgical management is crucial for these complex congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children.
- Reflux nephropathy can lead to kidney scarring and contraction.
- Complete kidney duplication is a congenital anomaly that can present with various complications.
Observation:
- Nine patients with VUR and contracted, pyelonephritic kidneys were studied.
- Complete duplication of the affected kidney was discovered during surgery in all nine patients.
- Eight of these patients also had an ectopic ureterocele.
Findings:
- Radiological diagnosis of complete kidney duplication was challenging due to reflux nephropathy.
- Affected kidneys were smaller than the contralateral kidney, masking duplication.
- Surgical intervention was necessary for management.
Implications:
- Highlights the difficulty in diagnosing complete kidney duplication in the presence of severe VUR and reflux nephropathy.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering complete kidney duplication in pediatric patients with contracted, scarred kidneys and VUR.
- Underscores the need for tailored surgical approaches for managing complex urogenital anomalies.
Related Concept Videos
01:45Kidney Structure
The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
01:21External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
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...
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...
01:10Nephrons
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...