Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 31 of 2015 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 32 of 2015 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 753.3
- ICD-10-AM Codes: Q63.11
Brief description
This is a congenital malformation with the kidneys fused across the midline, usually at the lower poles, by a bridge of functioning or non-functioning tissue.
Confirming the diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made coincidentally following imaging (e.g. routine antenatal ultrasound) performed for another reason.
The relevant medical specialist is a urologist.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Nil
Conditions excluded from SOP
- Renal pathology from other causes.
Clinical onset
The condition is asymptomatic in most people. A significant number of patients with horseshoe kidney will have other urological abnormalities, commonly leading to urinary obstruction. These patients may present with pain or hematuria and have evidence of hydronephosis (swelling of kidney due to a build up of urine from a blockage/obstruction), kidney stones or urinary infection. Such manifestations typically present during childhood.
Clinical worsening
The only SOP factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. The horseshoe abnormality itself will not become worse. Progression of urological problems (obstruction, infection etc.) will be related to the associated abnormalities rather than the horseshoe kidney.