Evaluation of Diameter of Main Hilar Renal Artery to Predict the Presence of Supplementary Renal Artery by Contrast-enhanced MDCT: A Retrospective Study from in Northern India

Abstract

Introduction: Accessory renal arteries are non anastomotic end arteries that correspond to a single renal artery’s segmental branch. It is the most common anatomic variation of renal artery, with an incidence ranging from 8.7% to 75.7%. Aim: To determine the normal reference range of diameter of the main hilar renal artery in presence or absence of supplementary renal arteries and using contrast-enhanced Multidetector Computerized Tomography (MDCT) in North Indian population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Ghaziabad and Dr. O.P Gupta Imaging Centre, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, from April 2019 to October 2021. Data analysis was done from November 2021 to December 2021. Contrast-enhanced MDCT scan images were reviewed for measurement of the diameter of main hilar and supplementary renal artery. A total of 108 patients were recruited through consecutive sampling. The diameter of the main hilar and supplementary renal artery on each side was measured at the site of origin from the abdominal aorta with the help of an electronic calliper in axial view of MDCT images. The mean differences among the groups with and without supplementary renal artery were evaluated using the student’s t-test. Results: The mean diameter of the main hilar renal artery in the absence of the supplementary renal arteries on the right and left side were 5.99±1.13 mm and 6.07±1.25 mm respectively.The mean diameter of the main hilar renal artery with supplementary renal arteries on the right side was 5.11±1.096 mm and on the left was 5.18±1.08. The mean diameter of the main hilar renal artery was smaller in kidneys with a supplementary renal artery than in those without a supplementary renal artery, statistically significant difference was evaluated (p-value<0.001 on the right and left side). Conclusion: The diameter of the main hilar renal artery can indicate whether supplemental renal arteries exist or not.