CTICasesEctopic Intrathoracic Kidney with Staghorn Calculi
Imaging findings
Abdominal and chest radiographs show large, branching calcifications in the right lower chest/upper abdomen. Nuclear medicine renal scintigraphy and chest CT demonstrate that the right kidney is located entirely within the right thoracic cavity, herniated through a congenital diaphragmatic defect (Bochdalek hernia). The kidney is chronically obstructed, demonstrating thinned parenchyma, severe hydronephrosis, and large staghorn calculi.
Key takeaways
Ectopic intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly where the kidney ascends into the posterior mediastinum, usually through a Bochdalek diaphragmatic defect. Ectopic kidneys are prone to chronic obstruction, ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, or ureteral tortuosity, which can lead to stasis, parenchymal atrophy, and staghorn calculus formation.
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