A Horseshoe Shaped Kidney: A Case Report with Its Ontogeny, Phylogeny and Clinical Implications

Aim: This study reviews the ontogeny, phylogeny and clinical importance of horseshoe kidney. In addition, the classifications in relation to variations in blood supply of horseshoe kidney have also been discussed.

Presentation: During routine dissection for undergraduate students, the gross anomaly of horseshoe kidney was found. The kidneys were fused at their lower pole by an isthmus. The isthmus was supplied by a separate artery emanating from the front of aorta and entering on its posterior surface. The pelvis was bifid on both sides.

Discussion: Horseshoe kidney is explainable owing to its ontogeny and phylogeny. Its detection is incidental during intravenous pyelography, routine ultrasound or CT scan performed for other reasons.

Conclusion: Variations in the blood supply of horseshoe kidney should be considered in any of the operative procedures related with the kidneys and preoperative digital substraction angiography should be performed.