Which statement about horseshoe kidney is correct?

• A The isthmus usually lies posterior to the inferior mesenteric artery
• B Fusion occurs at the upper poles in the majority of cases
• C The ureters pass anteriorly over the isthmus ✓
• D It carries a reduced incidence of pelviureteric junction obstruction

Explanation

In horseshoe kidney the lower poles fuse across the midline, and both ureters course anteriorly over the isthmus before entering the bladder, contributing to impaired drainage and stasis. The isthmus typically lies anterior to the aorta and IVC, just below the inferior mesenteric artery, which arrests its ascent. Fusion at the upper poles is rare. Horseshoe kidney is associated with an increased, not decreased, incidence of PUJ obstruction, stones and Wilms tumour.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.