Diagnostic Evaluation of Ectopic Kidney

Imaging Studies

Cross‑sectional abdominal imaging (CT or MRI) should be obtained to define the ectopic kidney’s location, size, anatomical relationships, and to identify associated complications such as hydronephrosis, calculi, or masses in patients with a suspected or incidentally discovered ectopic kidney. 1

A comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, and urinalysis are recommended to screen for renal dysfunction, hematuria, proteinuria, and infection in individuals with an ectopic kidney. [1][2]
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging should be assigned using KDIGO criteria based on estimated glomerular filtration rate and degree of proteinuria, recognizing that ectopic kidneys often have reduced function due to abnormal vascular supply or concurrent anomalies. [3][2]