# Horseshoe Kidney: A Cadaveric Case Report

**Authors:** Jacob Harwell, Kamal A Abouzaid, Ahmad Imam, Arpineh Petrosyan, Janan Niknam, Hannah Otten, Krithika Giresh, Sakshi A Gangodkar

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81604 · Cureus · 2025-04-02

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare horseshoe kidney found in a cadaver, highlighting its anatomical features and potential health risks.

## Contribution

The report presents a unique cadaveric case with detailed anatomical observations of a horseshoe kidney and its associated vascular and urinary tract variations.

## Key findings

- A soft tissue band connected the inferior poles of the fused kidneys below the inferior mesenteric artery.
- Abnormal renal pelvises and ureters were observed, increasing the risk of urinary tract obstruction.
- Accessory renal arteries supplying the inferior poles were identified and measured.

## Abstract

This report describes a rare cadaveric case of a horseshoe kidney (HSK), a congenital anatomical anomaly characterized by fusion of the right and left kidneys. A distinct soft tissue band was identified joining the inferior poles of both kidneys, positioned inferior to the inferior mesenteric artery. The renal pelvises and ureters exhibited abnormal origin and course, which may increase the risk of compression and urinary tract obstruction. Additionally, accessory renal arteries supplying the inferior poles of the kidneys were identified and described. Measurements were taken to assess the dimensions of the connecting tissue band and the spatial relationship of the various relevant structures. This case highlights the rarity of the HSK and its associated anatomical variations and discusses potential implications such as urinary tract obstructions, infections, and kidney stone formation. A thorough understanding of these anomalies is critical for accurate diagnosis, effective management, and improving clinical outcomes in patients with HSKs. The literature reviewed in this case underscores the importance of recognizing such variations for better patient care and treatment strategies.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** urinary tract obstruction (MESH:D014552), infections (MESH:D007239), kidney stone formation (MESH:D007669)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12046875/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12046875/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12046875