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Malrotation of kidney

Case contributed by Sovann Vathana Lay
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Post-trauma with biochemical evidence of liver injury

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
ct

The right kidney exhibits an anteriorly-facing renal hilum with the ureter coursing back to its usual location distally. No hydronephrosis is evident. Note that the right malrotated kidney is situated at the L2-L4 level.

Peritoneal free fluid at the hepatorenal space was due to liver injury which is not shown here.

3D volume reconstruction

ct

A 3D volume reconstruction provides more detail on the anatomical relationship of the abnormally rotated right kidney.

Case Discussion

Malrotation of kidney is a rare entity and can either be unilateral or bilateral. In most cases it is likely an incidental finding. 

This patient has had no history of urinary complaints and was first informed about her anatomical variation following this study despite having numerous ultrasonography studies elsewhere for unrelated reasons.

This CT scan was requested due to the patient's liver injury and then treated accordingly.

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