Prenatal diagnosis of an ectopic intrathoracic kidney in right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia using color Doppler ultrasonography

Right-Sided Ectopic Intrathoracic Kidney Associated With Symptomatic Bochdalek Hernia in an Adult Indian Female: Case Report and Review of Literature

Bochdalek hernia is an inherited posterior lateral defect in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs to herniate into the thoracic cavity. In addition to being the most prevalent variety of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), it is also the type that is observed on the left hemithorax the majority of the time. Ectopic kidney is an uncommon condition, and the occurrence of ectopic intrathoracic kidney is even more uncommon, accounting for only a few of all the cases of renal ectopias. The occurrence of intrathoracic kidney associated with Bochdalek hernia is infrequent among adult individuals and is typically an incidental finding. A 52-year-old obese female patient presented to the pulmonology outpatient unit and reported experiencing the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing since three years. A chest radiograph revealed an elevated dome of the diaphragm on the right side. A computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed a defect in the posterior aspect of the right hemi-diaphragm with herniation of the right kidney and retroperitoneal fat into the right hemi-thorax. CT urography showed normal size and enhancement of the intrathoracic kidney with prompt excretion of contrast into the pelvicalyceal system. With regard to the small size of the hernia and considering the absence of complications on CT urography, a conservative treatment was proposed to the patient. The patient was followed up every year. There was no occurrence of renal complications during the follow-up period. When evaluating patients with 'elevated hemi-diaphragm' or thoracic 'mass', it is essential to check for the presence of intrathoracic kidney to avoid undesirable surgical procedures and image-guided biopsies.

Thoracic kidney and diaphragmatic hernia: prenatal diagnosis and successful management. Case report and review of the literature

Objectives

To report a case of prenatal diagnosis of ectopic intrathoracic kidney with diaphragmatic hernia managed surgically after birth, and to conduct a review of the literature on prenatal diagnosis of ectopic intrathoracic kidney and perinatal prognosis.

Material and methods

We report the case of a 28-week fetus in which, on ultrasound imaging, a mass was observed displacing the heart and lung in the right hemithorax, which was was confirmed by magnetic resonance (MR) to be an ectopic intrathoracic kidney (ITEK). After birth, the neonate was approached by laparoscopy to place a mesh in continuity with the diaphragm, leaving the kidney in the abdomen, with good evolution. A search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for cohorts, case reports and case series of prenatal diagnosis of intrathoracic kidney in the fetus. Information was retrieved regarding design, population, imaging diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Results

The search identified 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 8 cases. Ultrasound diagnosis showed ectopic intrathoracic kidney associated with diaphragmatic hernia in all the subjects. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also used in 5 cases.

Conclusions

Ectopic intrathoracic kidney is a congenital abnormality amenable to prenatal diagnosis. Survival after corrective surgery performed in the neonatal period is common. There is a paucity of publications, limited to case reports, regarding the prenatal diagnosis of this condition.

Prenatal Diagnosis of an Intrathoracic Left Kidney Associated with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Case Report and Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

A congenital intrathoracic kidney (ITK) is a rare anomaly that is recognized to have four causes: renal ectopia with an intact diaphragm, diaphragmatic eventration, diaphragmatic hernia, and traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. We report a case of a prenatal-diagnosed ITK related to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and conducted a systematic review of all cases of the prenatal diagnosis of this association.

CASE PRESENTATION

A fetal ultrasound scan at 22 gestational weeks showed left CDH and ITK, hyperechoic left lung parenchyma, and mediastinal shift. The fetal echocardiography and karyotype were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging at 30 gestational weeks confirmed the ultrasound suspicion of left CDH in association with bowel and left kidney herniation. The fetal growth, amniotic fluid, and Doppler indices remained within the normal range over time. The woman delivered the newborn via an at-term spontaneous vaginal delivery. The newborn was stabilized and underwent non-urgent surgical correction; the postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

CDH is the rarest cause of ITK; we found only eleven cases describing this association. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 29 ± 4 weeks and 4 days. There were seven cases of right and four cases of left CDH. There were associated anomalies in only three fetuses. All women delivered live babies, the herniated kidneys showed no functional damage after their surgical correction, and the prognosis was favorable after surgical repair. The prenatal diagnosis and counseling of this condition are important in planning adequate prenatal and postnatal management in order to improve neonatal outcomes.

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.

A Rare Finding: Right-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia With an Intrathoracic Kidney

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an opening in the diaphragm in which the abdominal viscera protrudes into the chest as the result of an embryologic defect. CDH can be an isolated anomaly or occur simultaneously with a chromosomal abnormality or genetic syndrome. Prognosis for fetuses with CDH is widely variable and depends on numerous factors including premature birth, the presence of a chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder, location of the herniation, lung volume, and cardiac involvement. This study presents details of a case of right-sided CDH with an intrathoracic kidney detected sonographically. Fetal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to further characterize the herniation. Both sonography and MRI aided in accurate diagnosis and postnatal treatment planning.

Bilateral thoracic kidneys combined with inferior vena cava located behind the anterior abdominal wall: A case report and review of literature

Ectopic thoracic kidneys are the rarest form of renal ectopia. Moreover, congenital abnormality of a primary anterior inferior vena cava (IVC) located behind the anterior abdominal wall is extremely rare. To date, only one such case has been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of a 55-year-old Chinese male with bilateral thoracic kidneys combined with an anterior IVC, a malformed liver, and a large-round-folds navel. The classification, clinical characteristics, and management options of a thoracic kidney was also summarized by literature review. To our best knowledge, the simultaneous detection of such multiple complex abnormalities has not been reported.

Impaction of an intrathoracic kidney acted as a shield against herniation of the abdominal viscera in a case of right congenital diaphragmatic hernia

We describe a case of an intrathoracic kidney combined with right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) that was diagnosed at 32 weeks of gestation. Although it has been well established that a right CDH shows a poorer outcome than a left CDH, our present case showed a good outcome because there was no herniation of other abdominal viscera, except for the right kidney. Our findings in this case indicate that impaction of the intrathoracic kidney may act as a 'shield' against further herniation of other abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity.

[Prenatal diagnosis of a right thoracic congenital ectopic kidney with a diaphragmatic hernia: a combination with a good prognosis]

Ectopic intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly, usually asymptomatic. This anomaly is sometimes associated with a diaphragmatic hernia. Few cases of this combination have been described, often in the absence of a prenatal diagnosis. We report on the case of a female newborn infant who was diagnosed with an ectopic intrathoracic right kidney and a diaphragmatic hernia upon 33 weeks of gestation. The patient underwent surgery on the first day of life and the respiratory and renal outcomes were simple. We review the literature and discuss the seemingly good prognosis of this combination.

A right thoracic kidney with a pulmonary vascular malformation in an adult

Ectopic thoracic kidneys are rare anomalies, accounting for less than 5% of all renal ectopia. The anomaly is usually found incidentally on a chest radiograph, with no respiratory or systemic symptoms. It usually presents in the left posteroinferior thorax, associated with a congenital diaphragmatic defect or hernia and is more frequent in males than females. Associated anomalies of other organs are rare and inconsistent. We report a case of a 55-year-old female who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a mass-like lesion in the right chest, identified incidentally on a chest radiograph. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed a right ectopic thoracic kidney with a closed diaphragm and an accompanying pulmonary vascular malformation.

Sonographic appearance of intrathoracic kidney in a fetus with left diaphragmatic hernia

Although prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is not a rare event, detection of intrathoracic kidney in association is extremely rare. We present the sonographic findings in such a case. The postnatal outcome after successful respiratory management and surgical repair was good.

Space occupying lesions in the fetal chest evaluated by MRI

Background

The most common space occupying lesions of the fetal thorax are congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), and bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS). Although applications of prenatal MRI have been vastly improved in the recent years, its use in the assessment of space occupying lesions of the fetal chest differs among centers.

Objectives

To evaluate MRI findings in the diagnosis and follow-up of space-occupying lesions in the fetal chest with the review of relevant literature.

Patients and Methods

The fetuses with space-occupying lesions of the chest were retrieved from our 1.5T fetal MRI database of 347 patients. MRI features including the shape, signal characteristics, feeding artery, margin, mass effect, affected organ parts and anatomic location were reviewed. The results were correlated with the pathology results, follow-up and surgical findings.

Results

Nineteen MR images of 17 fetuses (mean gestational age, 23.8 weeks) with spaceoccupying lesions (5 CCAMs including one involuted case), 2 BPSs, 2 hybrid lesions, 8 CDH) were evaluated. One case of CCAM completely involuted in utero, four newborns were operated, and the resulting 12 fetuses were terminated. The surgical and pathological findings were in accordance with MRI findings.

Conclusion

MRI can reliably differentiate CDH from CCAM and BPS in utero. Follow-up is of utmost importance as lesions may involute or progress in utero. Prenatal MRI findings help postnatal decision-making, surgical planning and parental counseling.

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.

The intrathoracic kidney: should we fix it?

BACKGROUND

Intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly, with only 13 cases reported in the pediatric age group over the past 25 years. The relevant literature is limited to individual case reports or small case series with no follow-up data. Both operative and nonoperative management has been advocated. We report our experience in the management of children with an intrathoracic kidney as well as the efficacy of nonoperative management in select patients.

METHODS

Five cases of intrathoracic kidney were collected prospectively since 1992 and carefully followed up long term.

RESULTS

Two children presented with acute respiratory distress and underwent right diaphragmatic hernia repair and nephropexy. Incidental diagnosis of a left intrathoracic kidney was made in 3 children. Long-term follow-up has demonstrated normal function and development of these kidneys in all 5 children with no late bowel herniation in the nonoperative group.

CONCLUSION

Intrathoracic kidney associated with bowel in the chest should undergo standard repair and nephropexy. An isolated intrathoracic kidney without evidence of bowel herniation can safely be observed. This is the largest pediatric series of intrathoracic kidney as well as the first to document the efficacy of nonoperative management with long-term follow-up.

Prenatal diagnosis of thoracic kidney in the 2nd trimester with delayed manifestation of associated diaphragmatic hernia

Ectopic kidney is a rare congenital malformation, caused by renal malpositioning during embryogenesis. We report a rare case of ectopic kidney located in the left hemithorax of a male fetus. The unique features in this case were early sonographic prenatal diagnosis of thoracic kidney at 22 weeks' gestation, which was confirmed by fetal MRI, and delayed sonographic manifestation of the associated congenital diaphragmatic hernia at 27 weeks.

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

Congenital intrathoracic ectopic kidney is a rare congenital abnormality that is usually found as an incidental lesion on chest radiographs. We report the case of a 6-month-old male with a 1-day history of breathing difficulties whose chest radiograph revealed a soft tissue right basilar mass. Further investigation utilizing ultrasound revealed a thoracic kidney. This case demonstrates the importance of sonography as a diagnostic tool in identifying thoracic kidneys in the pediatric age group.

Prenatal diagnosis of ectopic intrathoracic kidney in a fetus with a left diaphragmatic hernia

Intrathoracic renal ectopia as a result of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly. We present a case in which the prenatal diagnosis of an ectopic intrathoracic kidney was made on routine anatomical survey at 28 weeks' gestation. Color doppler sonography imaging revealed the renal artery coursing into the infant's thorax and was consistent with CDH, but fetal MRI suggested an intact diaphragm. However, neonatal evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of intrathoracic kidney with posterior CDH, which was repaired without complication. In contrast to diaphragmatic hernia with liver or bowel herniation, infants with intrathoracic ectopic kidneys generally do well.

Pleural and pericardial effusion: a potential ultrasonographic marker for the prenatal differential diagnosis between congenital diaphragmatic eventration and congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether or not the presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion can be used prenatally as an ultrasonographic marker for the differential diagnosis between diaphragmatic eventration and diaphragmatic hernia.

METHODS

We present two case reports of non-isolated diaphragmatic eventration associated with pleural and/or pericardial effusion. Additionally, we reviewed the literature for all cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and diaphragmatic eventration that met the following criteria: (1) prenatal diagnosis of a diaphragmatic defect and (2) definitive diagnosis by autopsy or surgery. The frequencies of pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and hydrops were compared between the two conditions using Fisher's exact test. A subanalysis was conducted of cases with isolated diaphragmatic defects (i.e. diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies).

RESULTS

A higher proportion of fetuses with diaphragmatic eventration had associated pleural and pericardial effusions compared with fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia (58% (7/12) vs. 3.7% (14/382), respectively, P < 0.001). This observation remained true when only cases of diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies were compared (29% (2/7) with eventration vs. 2.2% (4/178) with CDH, P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion in patients with diaphragmatic defects should raise the possibility of a congenital diaphragmatic eventration. This information is clinically important for management and counseling because the prognosis and treatment for CDH and congenital diaphragmatic eventration are different. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Congenital intrathoracic kidney with right Bochdalek defect

Intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly. Since most reported cases are asymptomatic, it is extremely rare for this ectopia to be diagnosed in the neonatal period. We report a male infant with right intrathoracic kidney associated with Bochdalek defect. Chest X-ray demonstrated a right posterior mediastinal mass and intestinal gas in the right lung field. Contrast-enhanced CT and intravenous urography led to a diagnosis of intrathoracic kidney. Due to the presence of Bochdalek defect, the intrathoracic kidney was reduced into the abdominal cavity at the time of diaphragmatic repair. The intrathoracic kidney with attached adrenal gland was located at the level of the carina and was covered with protruded retroperitoneum. The kidney was thought to have been pushed this high by the small intestine and left lobe of the liver, which had also herniated through the defect. Postoperative hemodynamics and renal function were normal.