Renal artery morphology and anatomical variations among Sudanese subjects

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the level of origin of the renal artery on both sides of the body, to describe its course and branching pattern on both sides, and to detect the Supernumerary renal arteries (SRA) and their course. Both cadaveric and radiological descriptive studies were conducted from July 2015 to July 2016.The morphology and variations of the renal arteries were documented in 50 formalin fixed cadavers that were dissected in different faculties of medicine in Khartoum state. This was followed by assessment of 150 computerized tomography angiographies of the renal transplant donors who presented to three major transplant centers in Khartoum in the period between 2012 and 2015.The most common vertebral level of origin off the aorta was between the first and second lumbar segments. A supernumerary renal artery was detected in 25.5% and it was the most common anatomical variation. This was followed by early prehilar bifurcation in 6.5%. Supernumerary renal arteries were commonly hilar and lower polar, and they were more frequent in males. Bilateral supernumerary arteries were found in 4% of cases. The most common anatomical variation of the renal artery was supernumerary renal artery.

Keywords: Renal artery, supernumerary, anatomical variations