Variations of origin of the renal artery: a review covering 403 aortographies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

J Aubert, K Koumare

    European Urology
    |January 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Renal artery origin from the first two lumbar vertebrae was studied using aortography. This anatomical knowledge is crucial for kidney surgery and transplantation.

    Area of Science:

    • Anatomical studies
    • Vascular anatomy
    • Surgical anatomy

    Background:

    • Accurate anatomical knowledge of renal artery origin is vital for urological and transplant surgery.
    • Variations in renal vasculature can complicate surgical procedures.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the precise anatomical level of renal artery origin relative to lumbar vertebrae.
    • To compare arteriographic findings with classical anatomical descriptions.
    • To highlight the clinical significance of renal artery anatomy in surgery and transplantation.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of 403 aortographies to identify renal artery origin.
    • Comparison of arteriographic data with historical dissection findings.
    • Consideration of anatomical variations, including multiple renal arteries and fused renal masses.

    Main Results:

    • In cases with single kidneys and single renal arteries, these typically originate from the first two lumbar vertebrae.
    • The right renal artery often arises at the same level or superior to the left renal artery.
    • Variations such as horseshoe kidneys and multiple renal arteries were documented.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides precise anatomical data on renal artery origin, essential for surgical planning.
    • Understanding renal artery variations is critical for successful renal surgery and transplantation.
    • Arteriography is a valuable tool for assessing renal vascular anatomy.

    More Related Videos

    Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm04:56

    Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

    Published on: August 1, 2025

    Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches06:51

    Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches

    Published on: September 5, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    The Aorta01:14

    The Aorta

    The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
    The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
    The Arch of Aorta01:10

    The Arch of Aorta

    The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
    Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
    Abdominal Aorta01:25

    Abdominal Aorta

    Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
    The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
    Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

    Arteries of Lower Limbs

    The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
    Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney01:18

    Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney

    The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering and cleaning blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte levels. To perform these essential functions, they require a constant and robust blood supply.
    Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
    The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
    Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

    Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

    DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...