High origin of gonadal arteries associated with other variations

In two cases, one male and one female, the gonadal arteries, together with accessory renal arteries, originated from the abdominal aorta at a higher level than normal. The variation was bilateral in the male and unilateral in the female. Associated unusual findings in one of these cases (male cadaver) were: a. external lobation of the kidneys, b. slight lateral rotation of the kidneys, more pronounced on the right side, c. a right middle suprarenal artery and a parenchymal branch to the kidney arising from the right testicular artery by a common trunk. Additionally, the right kidneys were at a higher position than the left kidneys in both of the cases. Embryological as well as surgical aspects are discussed.