Abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with horseshoe kidney. A case report

Abstract

Two cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with horseshoe kidney are presented and the literature is reviewed. Preoperative urography is recommended in all but emergent cases. If the urogram is abnormal, aortography is indicated to confirm the diagnosis of horseshoe kidney and to determine the nature of the renal blood supply. If the renal blood supply arises from the aneurysm or is from multiple small vessels, resection may not be indicated because of the possibility of extreme operative difficulties. If the pelvis is split, extreme care must be taken to insure a watertight closure and to institute adequate drainage to avoid retroperitoneal inflammatory complications.