Duplication of the kidney: A potential diagnostic pitfall

Nine patients with marked vesicoureteral reflux into a contracted, pyelonephritic kidney were found at time of surgery to have complete duplication of the affected side. Eight of them also had an ectopic ureterocele. The radiological diagnosis of duplication was virtually impossible as all these kidneys showed reflux nephropathy and were smaller than the contralateral kidney. The surgical management is briefly outlined.