Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction
A horseshoe kidney is a congenital condition in which the kidneys fuse at the lower poles, creating a U shape. It is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly, affecting approximately 1 in every 500 individuals. The three main anatomical differences between the horseshoe kidney and the normal bilateral kidney arrangement are its position, rotation, and alternations of vascular supply. Patients with a horseshoe kidney may be predisposed to a range of clinical complications, including ureter obstruction, kidney stone formation, urinary tract or kidney infections, and increased susceptibility to injury. Despite its relative frequency among congenital anomalies, detailed descriptions of its gross anatomy from cadavers remain limited, making further anatomical characterization valuable for clinical and educational purposes.
Methods
This study characterizes the gross anatomy and vasculature of a horseshoe kidney identified in a 74-year-old cadaver during an anatomy dissection lab. An incision was made in the abdominal region through the skin and subcutaneous tissue on the anterior trunk. The surrounding fascia and adipose tissue were carefully dissected to expose the organ. Tools used during dissection include a scalpel, probe, dissecting scissors, blunt forceps, toothed forceps, and hemostat. The renal vasculature and ureters were traced to assess any deviation caused by the fused kidneys. The origin and trajectory of each renal artery, vein, and ureter were observed and documented.
Results
In normal bilateral renal anatomy, the left and right renal arteries originate from the aorta at approximately the level of L1, inferior to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). In the horseshoe kidney of the cadaver, both renal arteries were located inferior to the SMA, with one positioned superior to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and the other inferior to it. Both renal arteries entered the renal hilum, following a trajectory similar to that seen in normal kidneys. A difference was noted in the renal veins, the right renal vein exited the kidney through the renal hilum in a typical fashion, whereas the left renal vein was located more inferiorly and did not connect directly to the hilum. The ureter was transected during dissection, but no anatomical variation was observed prior to the incision.
Discussion
This cadaver study presents the distinctive features of a horseshoe kidney, including lower-pole fusion and differences in vascularization. These variations result from abnormal renal migration during embryogenesis. The vascular and ureteral anatomy of the horseshoe kidney varies among affected individuals. Although some variations may lead to clinical complications, the majority of cases remain asymptomatic. The medical history of the cadaver was not made available, only the donor’s age and cause of death. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the donor had any renal symptoms or a diagnosis. However, the reported cause of death was unlikely to be related to renal pathology. These findings provide crucial insight that may inform clinical management and surgical planning. This study is limited to a single cadaver specimen, and further research involving a larger sample size is necessary to better understand the variability and potential clinical consequences of the horseshoe kidney.
Embargo Period
5-26-2026
Included in
Clinical and Anatomical Variations of the Horseshoe Kidney Relative to Normal Bilateral Renal Arrangement
Moultrie, GA
Introduction
A horseshoe kidney is a congenital condition in which the kidneys fuse at the lower poles, creating a U shape. It is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly, affecting approximately 1 in every 500 individuals. The three main anatomical differences between the horseshoe kidney and the normal bilateral kidney arrangement are its position, rotation, and alternations of vascular supply. Patients with a horseshoe kidney may be predisposed to a range of clinical complications, including ureter obstruction, kidney stone formation, urinary tract or kidney infections, and increased susceptibility to injury. Despite its relative frequency among congenital anomalies, detailed descriptions of its gross anatomy from cadavers remain limited, making further anatomical characterization valuable for clinical and educational purposes.
Methods
This study characterizes the gross anatomy and vasculature of a horseshoe kidney identified in a 74-year-old cadaver during an anatomy dissection lab. An incision was made in the abdominal region through the skin and subcutaneous tissue on the anterior trunk. The surrounding fascia and adipose tissue were carefully dissected to expose the organ. Tools used during dissection include a scalpel, probe, dissecting scissors, blunt forceps, toothed forceps, and hemostat. The renal vasculature and ureters were traced to assess any deviation caused by the fused kidneys. The origin and trajectory of each renal artery, vein, and ureter were observed and documented.
Results
In normal bilateral renal anatomy, the left and right renal arteries originate from the aorta at approximately the level of L1, inferior to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). In the horseshoe kidney of the cadaver, both renal arteries were located inferior to the SMA, with one positioned superior to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and the other inferior to it. Both renal arteries entered the renal hilum, following a trajectory similar to that seen in normal kidneys. A difference was noted in the renal veins, the right renal vein exited the kidney through the renal hilum in a typical fashion, whereas the left renal vein was located more inferiorly and did not connect directly to the hilum. The ureter was transected during dissection, but no anatomical variation was observed prior to the incision.
Discussion
This cadaver study presents the distinctive features of a horseshoe kidney, including lower-pole fusion and differences in vascularization. These variations result from abnormal renal migration during embryogenesis. The vascular and ureteral anatomy of the horseshoe kidney varies among affected individuals. Although some variations may lead to clinical complications, the majority of cases remain asymptomatic. The medical history of the cadaver was not made available, only the donor’s age and cause of death. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the donor had any renal symptoms or a diagnosis. However, the reported cause of death was unlikely to be related to renal pathology. These findings provide crucial insight that may inform clinical management and surgical planning. This study is limited to a single cadaver specimen, and further research involving a larger sample size is necessary to better understand the variability and potential clinical consequences of the horseshoe kidney.