mild hydronephrosis

Thank you for taking my question.  I recently had a renal ultrasound after I passed from red tissue.  I have Interstitial Cystitis but also get right flank pain so the uro wanted to see if there are stones.    I got a copy of the report which says mild hydronephrosis on the right.  A cat scan from five years ago said I had prominent upper pole calices on the right but no evidence of hydronephrosis.  An IVP also showed significant nephroptosis on that side.  
What does "prominenet upper pole calices mean?"  Has that advanced to the hydronephrosis?  Can a floating kidney cause the ureter to kink and then cause neproptosis?
A couple of years ago I had borderline creatinine levels (I think 1.3:  I am a 5'3" 110 lb female).  They are still just at the upper end of normal.  Could this be related?
Is mild  nephroptosis something to be concerned about?  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far.  Hydronephrosis can be caused by blockages or infection.  Testing the urine to exclude the latter possibility should be done.

I agree with the IVP to further evaluate the kidney swelling.  If an obstruction cannot be found, surgical measures can be discussed with your urologist.  

Hydronephrosis caused by a blockage can lead to rising creatinine levels.  This should be serially monitored.  

The kidney calices are the part of the kidney where the urine empties into.  

These questions and options should be discussed with your urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com