Bilateral multiple renal vessels: a case report

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The kidneys are supplied by paired renal arteries originating from the abdominal aorta.
• Renal artery variations are uncommon, with bilateral occurrences reported in 5%-10% of individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and describe a specific case of multiple accessory renal arteries observed during routine dissection.
• To highlight the clinical significance of these anatomical variations in diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Observation of anatomical variations during routine dissection of an adult male cadaver.
• Detailed documentation of the origin and number of renal arteries and veins supplying both kidneys.

Main Results:

• The right kidney received three renal arteries: two from the abdominal aorta below the superior mesenteric artery, and a third below the inferior mesenteric artery.
• The left kidney received two renal arteries, both originating from the aorta below the superior mesenteric artery.
• Two renal veins were observed draining independently from the right kidney into the inferior vena cava.

Conclusions:

• Accessory renal arteries, being end arteries, require careful consideration in diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions.
• Anatomical variations, such as multiple renal arteries, can lead to ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, and complicate renal artery stenosis investigations and surgeries.