Sonographic Findings of Fetuses with an Empty Renal Fossa and Normal Amniotic Fluid Volume

Abstract

Objective: To review the antenatal sonographic findings and postnatal follow-up of fetuses with empty renal fossa (ERF) and normal amniotic fluid volume. Methods: Sonographic examinations of 13,705 fetuses were retrospectively analyzed and all fetuses with at least one ERF and normal antenatal amniotic fluid volume were included in this study. Results: Forty cases with antenatal ERF were diagnosed. Prenatal diagnosis consisted of pelvic kidney (n = 24), unilateral renal agenesis (n = 13), horseshoe kidney (n = 2) and crossed fused renal ectopia (n = 1). The prevalence of ERF in the low-risk population approximated 3.2‰. There was no serious renal complication during a mean follow-up period of 30 months except one case of crossed fused renal ectopia requiring hemodialysis. Conclusion: The underlying cause of ERF in the majority of cases with normal amniotic fluid volume is renal ectopia. Prenatal ultrasonography seems to be highly reliable in diagnosing these anomalies. Prognosis is favorable in the absence of additional extraurinary malformations.

Study of Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Congenital Renal Anomalies and Their Prognostic Significance

“…Out of 5 cases (0.13%) reported 3 had pelvic kidney one of which is dysplastic. The incidence of ectopic kidney was found to be 0.07%, which is in concordance with previous study done by Yuksel et al, 2004 (0.05-.10%). In rest two cases, one was dysplastic kidney, but normal in position and other one had renal agenesis.…”

Right subdiaphragmatic renal ectopia mimicking lung tumour

“…High renal ectopia occurs four times more frequently in men and on the left side twice as often as it does on the right side. Most cases are asymptomatic, like this case, but it can present with ipsilateral hypochondrial pain and can be accompanied by vesicoureteral reflux 2. Thus, most cases are identified incidentally when imaging is performed for other reasons 3…”

A case report of a congenital left subcostal hernia in a neonate

“…Yuksel and Batukan [7] reported on 13,705 prenatal sonograms in low-risk patients, of which 40 had an empty renal fossa, although only of these 13 of these patients had unilateral renal agenesis and the remainder had an ectopic or horseshoe kidney. Our patient did not present prenatally, but this was found postnatally by ultrasonography in her preoperative workup.…”