Can anyone tell me about duplex kidney?

[Bearfrills]

DD is 3yo and had a UTI last month, it was her second diagnosed UTI so GP sent her for a scan this week. The scan has come back to say that she has duplex kidney on her left side so GP is referring her on. Can anyone say what we could potentially expect to happen next? What sort of tests would they want to do? I presume a more in-depth scan and a kidney function test? I want to try and prepare DD so she knows what the doctor might want to do.

Hi OP

Slightly different situation here as dd was diagnosed with duplex kidney at 20 week scan, so we knew from birth she had one and care plan was put in place.

No expert at all, but in DDs case she had an ultrasound to confirm when she was a few weeks old. This was then followed by 2 other scans- one to inject dye through a canular that they could trace through her kidneys. The other was a catheter to fill her bladder to check for reflux up into the kidneys. But she has quite a severe and complicated case, was on antibiotics from birth and still had 4 uti's in the first year.

So they may well repeat an ultrasound so they can have a look themselves, and then decide what she needs from there. Not sure whether they would do either of the other tests differently due to her age. Maybe they wouldnt need to use a catheter, and just get her to drink lots to fill her bladder up. But they should be able to tell you what to expect in terms of tests at her 1st appointment.

Sounds like maybe it's not a severe case if she has only had 2 uti's in 3 years (obviously it's not good having a uti at all, but hopefully you know what I mean)

DD was diagnosed with duplex kidney after several kidney infections, one resulting in severe sepsis. She was given prophylactic antibiotics following this. She had an ultrasound first, followed by a Gamma GT scan - contrast dye followed by something similar to MRI. This was probably the most traumatic - she had to be strapped onto the bed and a doughnut sort of camera kept coming up and down towards her. She had to stay totally still for the two hours she was there but did really, really well, especially as she was only 2 at the time.

She then had surgery (not always necessary - depends on severity). When in surgery it was discovered it wasn't actually duplex kidney but hydrocalycosis but essentially treatment was the same. She recovered well and is now fighting fit.

Thank you both for sharing

The hospital called yesterday and they want to see her next week so at least we're not going to be waiting ages. The measurements they took show her left side is much larger than the right side and the GP said that it appears to be two separate chambers which means very little to me at this stage but I'm sure the consultant will explain it in more detail.

How odd. I'd never heard of this until Dd was diagnosed last month...at the age of 27!! How on earth it wasnt picked up before during endless UTI and bladder/kidney problems is beyond me!!!

@Bearfrills - I'm so pleased that they're seeing her quickly. We had a year between diagnosis and surgery and it was horrible. Let us know how you get on!