ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -At birth, the kidneys have a lobulated appearance, but the lobulation disappears during infancy as a result of further growth of the nephrons, although there is no increase in their number [1, 2].

Detailed explanation-2: -Persistent fetal lobulation is a normal variant seen occasionally in adult kidneys. It occurs when there is incomplete fusion of the developing renal lobules. Embryologically, the kidneys originate as distinct lobules that fuse as they develop and grow.

Detailed explanation-3: -Persistent fetal lobulation of the kidneys is an uncommon condition that causes the surface of the kidney to appear as several lobules instead of smooth, flat and continuous.

Detailed explanation-4: -The kidneys develop between the 5th and 12th week of fetal life, and by the 13th week they are normally producing urine. When the embryonic kidney cells fail to develop, the result is called renal agenesis. It is often detected on fetal ultrasound because there will be a lack of amniotic fluid (called oligohydramnios).

Detailed explanation-5: -This type of kidney atrophy is due to a lower blood supply to the kidney(s)and/or loss of nephrons, the basic working units of the kidneys. Chronic infections or blockage of the kidney can also result in kidney atrophy. A kidney that is smaller in size can lead to kidney disease.