Bilateral subdiaphragmatic kidneys with right-sided renal malrotation

Background The subdiaphragmatic kidney is a positional variant of the uncommon cephalad renal ectopia, whereas renal malrotation refers to the anomalous renal hilar position. Both anomalies are rare, possibly under-reported, discovered incidentally on radiological examinations since patients are often asymptomatic. Case presentation This case report presents a unique renal anatomical variation in a 71-year-old female patient. A bilateral subdiaphragmatic renal ectopia coupled with right-sided renal malrotation, discovered accidentally on abdominal ultrasound (US), and confirmed by abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conclusions The presented case of bilateral subdiaphragmatic kidneys associated with right-sided renal malrotation is rare and not previously described in the literature. Radiologists must be familiar with these renal anomalies that can be discovered on imaging performed for other indications. MRI can provide more anatomical data compared to US.

Intrathoracic Renal Ectopia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

: Renal ectopy is a rare phenomenon, which its diagnosis may be delayed due to an asymptomatic condition. The ectopic kidney may even have a normal functional state; however, because of occurring kidney blockade, the risk for kidney stones and even failure may be raised. In many cases, the diagnosis is completely incidental and is based on the request of radiography and sometimes, CT scan even for other reasons. In the therapeutic approach, in cases of kidney blockage, or urine backing up to the kidney, the surgical intervention is highly recommended by excisional removing the mass. Herein, we described a case of ectopic intrathoracic kidney initially presented with mild respiratory distress that was ultimately diagnosed by CT scanning and removed surgically.