Persistent fetal lobulation of the kidneys
Last revised by Henry Knipe on 17 May 2020
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, Smith D, et al. Persistent fetal lobulation of the kidneys. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 29 Nov 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-6237
rID:
6237
Article created:
9 May 2009, Yuranga Weerakkody ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no recorded disclosures.
View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosuresLast revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Henry Knipe had no recorded disclosures.
View Henry Knipe's current disclosuresRevisions:
7 times, by 5 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Persistent fetal lobulation of kidneys
- Persistent fetal lobulation
- Perisitent renal fetal lobulatation
- Persistent foetal lobulation
- Persistent foetal lobulation of kidneys
Persistent fetal lobulation is a normal variant seen occasionally in adult kidneys. It occurs when there is incomplete fusion of the developing renal lobules. Embryologically, the kidneys originate as distinct lobules that fuse as they develop and grow.
Radiographic features
It is often seen on ultrasound, CT or MRI as smooth indentations of the renal outline in between the renal pyramids.
Differential diagnosis
They should be distinguished from renal cortical defects, which generally overlies the pyramids.
References
- 1. Bhatt S, Maclennan G, Dogra V. Renal pseudotumors. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;188 (5): 1380-7. doi:10.2214/AJR.06.0920 - Pubmed citation
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