Title: Variations in the Blood Supply of Kidneys: Cadaveric and Autopsy Findings
Authors: Dr Rachna Agrawal, Dr Manish Kumar Singhal
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i6.157
Abstract
Introduction: Renal arteries originates at right angle from the abdominal aorta just below the superior mesenteric artery at the level of intervertebral disc between L1 and L2 vertebra and take about 20% of the cardiac output. The venous drainage occurs through the paired renal veins which drain into the inferior vena cava. Both these vessels enter through the hilum of the kidney. Variations in blood supply of kidney are so frequent. Hence, this study would serve a useful guideline for performing uroradiological procedures and renal transplant surgeries and for treating renal trauma and hydronephrosis.
Materials and Methods: Present study conducted on 30 formalin fixed human cadavers used for routine abdominal dissection for undergraduate students and 15 autopsy specimens. The kidneys were examined and blood supply and its variations were noted.
Results: The following anatomical findings are observed in this study: (i) Superior polar arteries (ii) Inferior polar artey (iii) Extra hilar artery (iv) Accessory renal artery (v) Accessory renal vein and (vi) Hilar relations of renal vessels and pelvis
Conclusion: So knowledge of the normal anatomy and variational pattern in the blood supply of kidney is more important for the surgeons, radiologists and urologists to perform any angiographic studies for renal transplantation, interventional radiologic procedures and urologic operations.
Keywords: Renal artery, Renal vein, Variation, Accessory renal arteries, Superior polar arteries, Inferior polar arteries, Segmental arteries.
