Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of the Renal Artery Using Computed Tomographic Angiography

Abstract

Objective: The anatomical features of the renal arteries are important for the diagnosis of various diseases affecting the kidneys and the renal arteries (RA), as well as for preoperative planning of surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the morphological and morphometric parameters of renal arteries specific to the Turkish population. Methods: RA diameter, angle, and distance to other vessels were performed on computed tomography angiography images of 299 patients (156 women, 143 men), considering their branching variations and the level of origin from the abdominal aorta. Results: The frequency of RA variations was 16.5%. The right RA was observed to arise between the lower T12 level and middle L4 level, most commonly (25.39%) at the L1-2 disc level. The left RA was found to originate between the upper T12 level and lower L3 level, mostly (27.44%) at the L1-2 disc level. The mean diameter of the right RA was 5.49±1.24 mm in females and 6.01±1.69 mm in males, while the mean diameter of the left RA was 5.96±1.44 mm in females and 6.45±1.74 mm in males. The mean exit angle of the right RA from the abdominal aorta was 57.06±17.27° in females and 57.65±16.62° in males, and that of the left RA was 67.05±18.13° in females and 70.37±17.42° in males. The distance of the right RA to the celiac trunk was 3.1±1.29 cm, and its distance to the aortic bifurcation was 9.56±1.52 cm. The distance of the left RA to the celiac trunk was 3.27±1.25 cm, and its distance to the aortic bifurcation was 9.38±1.41 cm. Analysis of the relationship of the study parameters with age showed statistically significant correlations between age and the left RA diameter and between age and the distance of both the right and left renal arteries to the celiac trunk. Conclusion: This study could contribute to the literature on renal artery morphology and morphometry in the Turkish population and provide guidance to clinicians.