Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses
Published on: March 30, 2015
Large renal artery aneurysm masquerading as renal cell carcinoma
Thomas Neerhut1, Sachith Nanayakkara2, Claudiu Cozman1
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract:
Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare. Diagnosis is typically incidental with most cases asymptomatic and detected on routine imaging. Rarely large saccular RAAs may appear to extend to the neighbouring renal parenchyma. Differentiating these from renal tumours can be difficult and subsequent investigation with biopsy may result in fatal rupture. Our case describes an RAA arising from the right renal artery masquerading as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Emphasis is placed upon thorough radiological evaluation ensuring that RAA is considered and excluded from the differential diagnosis prior to biopsy or surgical intervention. The role of multidisciplinary input is also emphasised.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
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...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Aneurysm I: Introduction

