[Intrathoracic ectopic kidney in an adult: case report and bibliographic review].

OBJECTIVE: We report the case of a 61-year-old male with the incidental diagnosis of intrathoracic renal ectopia during the workup study for a possible lung mass. METHODS: We performed a bibliographic review on the incidence, origin, clinical presentation and diagnosis of this type of renal ectopia. RESULTS: Chest x-ray showed a left posterior mediastinum mass. Bronchoscopy was performed showing signs of extrinsic compression with absence of neoplastic cells. CT scan revealed a left intrathoracic ectopic kidney with diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathoracic renal ectopia is a very unfrequent finding, often asymptomatic, frequently an incidental diagnosis that does not require treatment.