Variations of Renal Artery in Cadavers

A Pradhan,Chhiring Palmu Lama

doi:10.3126/nmcj.v21i3.26461

A Pradhan, Chhiring Palmu Lama

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3126/nmcj.v21i3.26461

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Abstract

Each kidney is usually supplied by a single renal artery which is a lateral branch of abdominal aorta at the level of L1.The arteries supplying the kidneys show variation in the number, source and branching pattern which also include the presence of an accessory or additional and aberrant renal arteries. The additional renal artery towards the lower pole will cross the corresponding ureter and even cause ureteric obstruction. The segmental branches of renal and additional renal arteries are end arteries thus the accidental damage to these arteries can cause ischemia or necrosis and other pathological conditions. The main objective of this study was to note the variations of the arteries supplying the kidneys. An observational study was conducted on thirty kidneys of fifteen cadavers which included the kidneys of both sides. The study was conducted in Department of Anatomy of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital during the period between July 2018 to June 2019 and the variations were recorded as (a) single main renal arteries were found in 80% specimens on both sides (b) early division of main renal arteries were found in 16.66 % on both sides (c) origin of main renal arteries were at higher level on left side in 16.66 % (d) presence of additional renal arteries were found in 20% on both sides. This study will be helpful to cryosurgeons and also to radiologists performing various interventional radiological procedures.

Highlights

The kidneys are a pair of excretory organs which excrete end products of metabolism and excess water
The frequencies of variations of main renal arteries were observed on both sides and were tabulated. (a) The main single renal artery arising from abdominal aorta were found in 80% on both sides (Table 1 and 2) which have been shown in Fig. 1. (b) early division of the main renal arteries were found in 16.66% on both sides (Table 1 and 2) and Fig. 2. (c) origin of main renal arteries were found at higher level in 16.66 % on left side (Table 2). and Fig. 3
According to the standard textbook of Anatomy, each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery in 70 % of individuals with the left renal artery slightly higher than the right and the accessory renal arteries are common in 30 % of individuals.[1]

Summary

Introduction

The kidneys are a pair of excretory organs which excrete end products of metabolism and excess water. They are situated posteriorly behind the peritoneum on each side of the vertebral column. The kidneys ascend from the pelvic region to the lumbar region During their ascent they are supplied by several segmented arteries extending from internal iliac artery to the dorsal aorta. The lower vessels usually disappear and some may persist Persistence of those arteries will result in accessory renal arteries which will cross the corresponding ureter and may cause ureteric obstruction.[4] There are different terminologies related with accessory and aberrant renal arteries. An accessory renal artery is one which is accessory to the main renal artery, usually arising from abdominal aorta and entering the kidney through the hilum aberrant renal arteries enter the kidney through either pole whether derived from main renal artery, aorta or a branch from abdominal aorta.[5]

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