| Sub-title | |
| Authors | J Deguara A R Attard |
| Abstract | Background: The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms is around 2% of the population. Horseshoe kidneys are due to fusion of the lower renal poles as the kidneys ascend through the arterial fork formed by the umbilical arteries. This abnormality is found in about 1 in 600 of the population. So far, around 180 cases of an abdominal aneurysm with a horseshoe kidney have been reported in the literature. Case report: We present a 63 yr old gentleman who stopped smoking 13 years ago. A coincidental infrarenal aortic aneurysm was picked up on ultrasound. The possibility of a horseshoe kidney was suggested in this investigation. The patient underwent an MRI scan instead of a CT scan since at the time the CT scanner was being refurbished. The MRI confirmed the presence of a 6cm infrarenal aneurysm however dismissed the possibility of a horseshoe kidney. At operation the presence of the horseshoe kidney was confirmed. The renal isthmus was sitting directly on the aneurysmal sac. Bilateral aberrant renal arteries were present. The isthmus had to be divided to gain access to the sac. A vascular continuous stitch was used to secure the two divided ends of the isthmus. The polar arteries were preserved. The division of the isthmus did not result in post operative complications or deterioration in renal function. The aneurysm was repaired with a fashioned Dacron graft. His postoperative recovery was uneventful. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | Asymptomatic, aortic aneurysm, horseshoe kidney, case report |