Right thoracic ectopic kidney in a child with breathing difficulties--sonographic diagnosis

A missing kidney and a hidden congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital intrathoracic kidney (ITK) is a rare condition, which is usually discovered incidentally in asymptomatic children who do not need any intervention. However, it may be associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), in which case it requires urgent surgical intervention. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed ITK associated with a left CDH that was operated on day 5 of life. The neonate is currently well at 15 months of age.

Quest for the missing kidney in the "treasure chest": report of a thoracic kidney in a child with recurrent diaphragmatic hernia

The thoracic cavity is the rarest location of all the renal ectopic sites. We report a rare case of an acquired thoracic kidney associated with a previous congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a child with nephrotic syndrome. Although only 13 cases of the thoracic kidney in the pediatric age group have been described in worldwide reports during the past 25 years, we present the first to be associated with a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia. The classification, differential diagnosis, and management options of this rare form of ectopia are discussed.

An Unusual Cause of Mediastinal Mass — A Case Report and Literature Review of Intrathoracic Kidney

Posterior mediastinal mass is not an uncommon condition seen in clinical practice. It often generates anxiety among healthcare providers, as the most common cause of a posterior mediastinal mass is a neurogenic tumour which potentially can be malignant and carries serious consequences. A very rare but generally benign cause of such a mass is an intrathoracic ectopic kidney. Due to its rarity, literature on the intrathoracic kidney, its management, prognosis and complications is sparse and confined to case reports. We report a rare case of a two-month old baby who had a chest x-ray done for a prolonged cough and was found to have a posterior mediastinal mass, which was later diagnosed to be an intrathoracic ectopic kidney. The approach to mediastinal mass and literature review of an intrathoracic ectopic kidney and its complications are also discussed.