Intrathoracic kidney

Intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly. However, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses, as confirmation of the diagnosis obviates the need for further clinical studies, further treatment, and unnecessary surgery. Chest computed tomography (CT) is an important and efficient tool in confirming the diagnosis. We report a 50-year-old man who suffered from nonspecific chest pain for 2 years. He denied a history of major traumatic chest injury. Chest radiograph revealed a left posterior mediastinal mass, which was later confirmed by chest CT to be a congenital intrathoracic kidney.