Papillary renal cell carcinoma in an ectopic intrathoracic kidney within Bochdalek hernia: A case report

Abstract

Intrathoracic kidneys, an uncommon form of ectopic kidneys, often occur with congenital diaphragmatic hernias. We report a case of a 72-year-old male with a left-sided Bochdalek hernia containing an intrathoracic kidney, incidentally discovered on imaging for abdominal discomfort and respiratory symptoms. Imaging revealed a suspicious renal mass, which led to a partial nephrectomy and the diagnosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), a rare finding in ectopic kidneys. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated no recurrence or metastasis. This case highlights the importance of monitoring intrathoracic kidneys for potential complications and the challenges in diagnosing and managing ectopically located renal tumors.