Abstract

Context: Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is well known congenital anomaly of the upper urinary   tract. It is occurring in approximately 0.25% of the general populations and two to three times more frequently in men than in women. Isolated HSK can be isolated, remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Aims: The present study reports gross and histological findings of horseshoe kidney detected during autopsy. Settings and Design: All clinical autopsies which were carried out during 2017 to 2022 at Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, India and during gross examination and dissection of kidney specimen were carried out. Methods and Material: Amongst 2524 clinical autopsies which were carried out during 6 years  of period 2017 to 2022 at Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, India gross examination  and dissection, was performed and renal anomaly was noticed. Statistical analysis used: No.  Results: During period of six years study, we noticed a total 3 cases of horseshoe kidneys. On gross examination the lower poles of kidneys were fused to form the isthmus in all 3 cases. On   histological examination, in all above cases kidneys showed global glomerulosclerosis, cloudy change in tubules, areas of subcapsular fibrosis with lymphocytic infiltration. Conclusions: Horseshoe kidney is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the upper  rinary tract. Many times it may function normally and  remain unnoticed/ asymptomatic till adulthood causing no harm. An isolated finding of a horseshoe kidney is generally considered benign. Such cases incidentally come to notice due to other medical or surgical scenarios or at the autopsies. 

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