Changes in the structure of the kidneys can be caused by many factors. In addition to age-related changes, various deformities or changes in the structural constitution of the kidneys can occur at birth or in the course of a person's life as a result of diseases. Here are some common examples.
Kidney Cyst
A Kidney cyst is a round fluid collection formed in or on the kidney. There are several types of cysts, and they can subvert the kidney structure and cause loss of kidney function. Cysts are usually small, and they can derive from any segment of the nephron (microscopic functional unit of the kidney), including the glomeruli.
Kidney Hyperechogenity
means an increased response (echo) during the ultrasound examination of the organ, which is generally displayed as increased brightness of the signal. There is increased correlation between increased echo-genicity of the kidney and chances of underlying kidney disease. The kidney hyperechogenity in foetus can be secondary to multiple microscopic kidney cysts, kidney dysplasia or tubular dilation. Other causes of foetal hyperechogenic kidneys include polycystic kidney diseases.
Kidney dysplasia/multicystic dysplastic kidney
is a condition where the internal structures of one or both fetus’ kidneys don’t develop normally during pregnancy. Babies with severe kidney dysplasia affecting both kidneys may not survive birth. Children with dysplasia in only one kidney have normal kidney function if the other kidney is normal. Those with mild dysplasia of both kidneys may develop impairment of kidney function and may need kidney replacement therapy.
Hydronephrosis
is the swelling of the kidneys when urine outflow is obstructed in any of part of the urinary tract, for example due to subpelvine stenose or urethral valve. Hydronephrosis implies that a ureter and the kidneys pelvis (the connection of the ureter to the kidney) are over-filled with urine.
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (subpelvic stenosis)
is a condition where the outflow of urine from the renal pelvis is obstructed/blocked. This blockage occurs at the junction between the ureter and the kidney and prevents the normal flow of urine out of the kidney into the bladder, this can lead to hydronephrosis and further to kidney damage.
Ureterocele
is a congenital abnormality found in the ureter. In this condition the distal ureter balloons at its opening into the bladder, forming a sac-like pouch.
Horseshoe kidney
is the fusion of both kidneys together during prenatal development. Their lower parts fuse together forming a ‘U’ shape which gives it the name “horseshoe”. Horseshoe kidney can occur alone or associated with other disorders. The fused part is the isthmus of the horseshoe kidney. The abnormal anatomy can affect kidney drainage resulting in increased frequency of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Crossed fused kidney ectopia/malposition
occurs when both kidneys develop on the same side of the spine. In many cases, the two kidneys are fused together, but they maintain their own vessels and ureters.