Anatomical variations of renal venous vascularisation. A study of 71 three-dimensional kidney endocasts

A better understanding of the anatomy of the renal vein and its relationship with the arterial and excretory systems can prevent intra operative complications.

Three-dimensional endocasts of intrarenal vessels and renal collecting systems were obtained from fresh cadavers, by injecting a polyester resin coloured with different pigments. A total of 71 endocasts were studied: 37 right kidneys and 34 left kidneys.

Renal vein was unique in 88% of cases and double in 11% of cases. It was formed in 52% of cases by 3 trunks. Intrarenal veins anastomosed together to form 2 levels of arcades in 28% of cases and 3 levels in 71% of cases. The venous drainage of the upper pole was provided by two anterior and posterior plexus in 38% of cases, and by a single anterior plexus in 61% of cases. In 22% of cases, the venous drainage of the lower pole was provided by both an anterior and a posterior plexus, and in 77% of cases, there was only an anterior plexus. Renal artery was posterior to the vein in 66% of cases. It was anterior to the vein in 29% of cases, and located directly above it in 4% of cases. In 60% of cases, we noted a close relationship between the anterior surface of the ureteropelvic junction and the lower branch of the renal vein.

Venous vascularisation of the kidney appears to be variable and its relationship with the arterial and the excretory systems may be complex.