Renal ectopia, even though a benign condition, presents diagnostic challenges when its complications arise. Cold abscess in an abnormally sited kidney may, therefore, create a diagnostic conundrum for the clinician. We present the case of a 55-year-old male who had a suppurating ectopic kidney that mimicked an abdominal visceral mitotic lesion necessitating initial laparotomy, reviewed the literature, and highlighted the need to consider the differential diagnosis, especially in patients who have been referred from peripheral hospitals where generous antibiotic therapy has been instituted. We also recommend undertaking a preoperative split renal scintigraphy where available, especially when nephrectomy is considered.
Keywords: Cold abscess; ectopic kidney; renal ectopia.
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