[Renal ptosis. Results of a national survey]

Renal ptosis is the caudal acquired displacement of one or both of the kidneys, with different degree and etiology, considered as a urological pathology because of its urodynamic changes and, in the last years, almost completely neglected.

The aim of the work is to research a parenchymal involvement, through a close examination of our outpatient's record; compared with data from the literature on renal ptosis and with the results of a national questionnaire to specialists.

The literature reports a largest incidence in females; in our cases, instead, the incidence is nearly the same. The 2nd degree ptosis is the most frequent, but, in females, bilateral ptosis is prevalent (77%). We agree with the literature about urinary symptoms; actually, the most of the patients shows urinary colics or lumbar pain. We also noticed UTI (62%), urinary lithiasis (26%) and pyelocalyceal ectasia (46%). A lot of patients suffer from microscopic hematuria (77%) and, in 12%, gross haematuria was noticed. Hypertension affects about an half of the patients (46%) and the proteinuria too (42%). Echography highlights a reduced cortex (12%), cysts (14%) and other changes (8%). GFR is decreased in 30% of cases, in different degree. The patients show different changes, according to their age. The results of the national questionnaire are also reported.

In conclusion, considering the remarkable incidence and anatomical and functional changes, it is suggested to consider renal ptosis as a cause of chronic renal damage, also because it is included among the causes of obstructive nephropathy, which according to some researchers, can cause severe glomerular and tubular-interstitial changes, triggered off by a short urinary stasis and evident in the contralateral kidney too.