Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Association with Horseshoe Kidney

Abstract

The presence of a horseshoe kidney (HSK) may complicate an anterior approach to reconstructive surgery of aorta and iliac vessels, because the isthmus of the HSK lies across the aorta and because HSK is often associated with anomalous renal vessels. Routine preoperative assessment may not reveal the presence of HSK. We report two cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) associated with HSK, which were diagnosed intra-operatively. Authoritative textbooks of vascular surgery advise against division of the isthmus of the HSK. In the cases reported here, division of the isthmus was helpful in simplifying successful repair of the AAA.