User:Mr. Ibrahem/Horseshoe kidney

A horseshoe kidney is the fusion of the two kidneys. There is generally no symptoms and function of the kidneys is normal. Complications can include kidney infection, kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and vesicoureteral reflux.

Risk factors include family history, and exposure to alcohol or high blood sugar during pregnancy. It occurs more frequently in Edward syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Down syndrome. The fused part is known as the isthmus of the horseshoe kidney. Diagnosis often occurs during medical imaging done for other reasons.

Surgery is generally not recommended. The presence of a horseshow kidney may alter the treatment of kidney stones. Horseshoe kidney occurs in about 1 in 500 people. Males are affected twice as often as females. It is a congenital disorder and is present a birth. It was first described by da Carpi in 1522.