Unilateral ectopic kidney mimicking acute appendicitis: a case study

Ectopic Kidney with an Ectopic Ureter Masquerading Adnexal Mass: A Case Report and Literature Review

An ectopic kidney is a rare congenital defect that is often asymptomatic, but can be incidentally discovered during imaging examinations. Moreover, the morphological characteristics and laboratory features of ectopic kidneys are nonspecific, which may lead to misleading diagnostic approaches, particularly when there are additional factors, such as infection, obstruction, or other anomalies. A 43-year-old female presented with a mass in the left adnexal area. She had septate uterus and a history of congenital urinary incontinence. Ultrasound and MRI findings indicated that the mass was a cyst originating from the ovary. However, it is possible that the lump was derived from the urinary system. To confirm the diagnosis, laparoscopy was performed, followed by pathological examination, which confirmed the presence of an ectopic kidney with a single-system ectopic ureter. The patient underwent nephroureterectomy, and her symptoms successfully resolved, leading to a favorable prognosis. This case report highlights a rare case involving an ectopic kidney with a vaginal ectopic ureter that initially presented as an adnexal cyst and caused urinary dribbling. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and accurate diagnosis in women with similar symptoms.

Ectopic Kidney Mimicking Appendicular Abscess

Ectopic kidney is a congenital anomaly of renal position, which is commonly asymptomatic. Symptoms arising from pelvic kidneys can closely mimic pathological processes of nearby organs and vice versa. We report an 18-year-old girl who presented with acute onset of a painful lump in the right iliac fossa. Although the clinical features mimicked an appendicular abscess, the judicious use of cross-sectional imaging aided in the proper diagnosis. Pyonephrosis of a right-sided lumbar kidney was confirmed on further imaging and nephrectomy was performed. This case has been presented to highlight the significance of renal imaging in patients suspected of an appendicular abscess.