Open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm and horseshoe kidney: A strange relationship

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The horseshoe kidney (HK) is the most common fusion defect of the kidneys. Τhe simultaneous presence of HK and abdominal aortic aneurysm (ΑΑΑ) is rare and comprises a technical challenge for the vascular surgeon due to variation of renal arteries and the renal isthmus overlying the AAA sac. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the first case in Nicosia General Hospital of Cyprus of an infrarenal AAA with a HK (Crawford Type I), which was successfully treated using an open surgical approach. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Review the technical challenges associated with the case and a brief reference to the relevant published articles. CONCLUSION: The surgical repair of coexistence of AAA and HK continues to be a difficult technical challenge for the vascular surgeon from the past until today. There is a need to record the few cases and to create detailed specific guidelines to facilitate the surgical approach for the disease.