Ectopic kidney

Ectopic kidney
Other namesRenal ectopia
Ectopic crossed fused kidney in a fetus approx. 34 weeks
SpecialtyNephrology

An ectopic kidney is a kidney that is not located in its usual position (ectopia) in the lumbar retroperitoneal space. It is the result of anomalous migration of the kidneys from their origin in the fetal pelvis during embryogenesis.

The diagnosis is usually made during antenatal and/or postnatal testing, when the ectopic kidney is found incidentally. Although most patients with renal ectopia are asymptomatic, some can develop symptoms due to complications such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections and hydronephrosis.

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