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SUPERNUMERARY KIDNEY
Figure 1: Anterior view of a 3D supernumerary kidney model.
A supernumerary kidney is a congenital anomaly that occurs when more than two kidneys develop and the additional kidney has its own vascular supply, collecting system and distinct encapsulated parenchyma. Such an anomaly can occur as fused, where the additional kidney is fused to one of the native kidneys, and as well as in unfused form. This anomaly is considered one of the rarest among the congenital kidney variations.
As of 2018, less than a 100 cases were reported where the first case was detected in 1965. The additional kidney is typically smaller in size and occurs ipsilateral and caudal to the left kidney. It develops from abnormal division of the nephrogenic cord into two separate metanephric blastemas during the fifth to seventh week of gestation. In addition, the supernumerary kidney could have separate collecting systems or partial system where the ureter of the anomaly could drain into the ureter of a native kidney.
Figure 1. depicts a supernumerary kidney where the additional kidney is fused to the left native kidney and has it own renal blood supply as well as excretory ureter. In some rare cases supernumerary kidney have an ectopic ureter that drains into other structures such as the vagina and such instances results in urinary problems.
For a comparison view the healthy kidney in Figure 2, to the supernumerary kidney in Figure 1. In addition, click to start annotated 3D model for an interactive experience.
Floating rib 11
False rib 10
True rib 7
Figure 3: Position of supernumerary kidney depicted in relation to the ribcage. Note: Costal cartilages for ribs 8, 9 and 10 are not present in the above image.
Click to start interactive 3D model with annotations
Figure 2: Anterior view of a 3D healthy kidney model for comparison.
CONGENITAL
KIDNEY ANOMALIES
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Supernumerary Kidney
PANCAKE
KIDNEY
Figure 10: Anterior view of a 3D pancake kidney model.
Floating rib 11
False rib 10
True rib 7
Click to start interactive 3D model with annotations
Figure 12: Position of pancake kidney depicted in relation to the ribcage. Note: Costal cartilages for ribs 8, 9 and 10 are not present in the above image
Figure 11: Anterior view of a 3D healthy kidney model for comparison
Pancake kidney is one of the rarest types of renal anomaly which involves the complete fusion of the superior, mild and inferior poles of both kidneys in the pelvic cavity. Both kidneys have its own excretory and vascular system with two ureters that do not cross the midline. Pancake kidney appear as a large and lobulated renal mass consisting of two fused lateral lobes without an intervening septum located in the pelvic cavity. It is often linked to congenital anomalies of other organs. Each kidney lobe has a separate pelvicalyceal system, the renal pelvis is anteriorly placed and ureters are usually short and enter the bladder normally without crossing the midline. Typical techniques used to diagnose this condition is Ultrasonography, Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Urography.
For a comparison view the the healthy kidney in Figure 11, to pancake kidney in Figure 10. In addition, click to start annotated 3D model for an interactive experience.
ECTOPIC
KIDNEY
Figure 7: Anterior view of 3D ectopic kidney models. On the right the diaphragm of the model is depicted as is, whereas the model on the left, the diaphragm is made to appear transparent to view the kidney structures inside.
Floating rib 11
False rib 10
True rib 7
Click to start interactive 3D model with annotations
Figure 9: Position of ectopic kidney depicted in relation to the ribcage. Note: Costal cartilages for ribs 8, 9 and 10 are not present in the above image.
Figure 8: Anterior view of a 3D healthy kidney model for comparison.
An ectopic kidney is a rare congenital kidney anomaly where the ectopic kidney is not located in its usual position. Ectopic kidneys are typically found in the pelvis, iliac, or low lumbar region as well as, as depicted in Figures 7, 8, 9, in the thorax where the kidney has ascended to a higher location through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. Ectopic kidneys are typically asymptomatic and found incidentally. Commonly associated symptoms patients suffer from are Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and abdominal pain. Other problems that could arise are kidney stones, renal failure and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
For a comparison view the the healthy kidney in Figure 8, to ectopic kidney in Figure 7. In addition, click to start annotated 3D model for an interactive experience.
HORSESHOE KIDNEY
Figure 4: Anterior view of a 3D horseshoe kidney model.
Floating rib 11
False rib 10
True rib 7
Click to start interactive 3D model with annotations
Figure 6: Position of horseshoe kidney depicted in relation to the ribcage. Note: Costal cartilages for ribs 8, 9 and 10 are not present in the above image
Figure 5: Anterior view of a 3D healthy kidney model for comparison.
Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is considered the most common among congenital kidney anomalies. The abnormality involves the fusion of two kidneys at their lower poles by a parenchymal or fibrous isthmus, where three anatomic abnormalities occur: ectopic, malrotation and vascular changes. Infants and children typically face higher risk of mortality. Prenatal diagnosis is possible during the first trimester of pregnancy via high-frequency transvaginal sonography. In adults, HSK is an asymptomatic disorder and is typically detected incidentally during intravenous pyelography, a routine ultrasound or a Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
For a comparison view the healthy kidney in Figure 5, to the horseshoe kidney in Figure 4. In addition, click to start annotated 3D model for an interactive experience.
Horseshoe Kidney
Ectopic Kidney
Pancake Kidney
Poster
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