Nephroptosis
Nephroptosis (pronounced: ne-frop-toe-sis), also known as a floating kidney or renal ptosis, is a condition where the kidney descends more than two vertebral bodies (or greater than 5 cm) when a patient moves from a lying to standing position. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words nephros meaning kidney and ptosis meaning a fall, droop, or sag.
Definition
Nephroptosis is a pathological condition where there is an abnormal downward displacement of the kidney. It can occur when the kidney is no longer held in its normal position in the upper abdomen by the surrounding fat and fibrous tissue. This condition is more common in women than in men, and is often discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging for other reasons.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Nephroptosis can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have severe and persistent pain. Common symptoms include flank pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and urinary tract infections. The pain is typically relieved when the person lies down.
Causes
The exact cause of Nephroptosis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a loss of the fatty tissue that normally helps to hold the kidney in place. This can occur as a result of rapid weight loss, trauma, or surgery. It is also more common in people with a long and thin abdominal wall.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Nephroptosis is typically made through imaging studies such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These tests can show the position of the kidney in the body and can help to rule out other causes of abdominal pain.
Treatment
The treatment for Nephroptosis depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to reposition the kidney and secure it in place. This is known as a nephropexy.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nephroptosis
- Wikipedia's article - Nephroptosis
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