Angiographic evaluation of multiple renal arteries in patients and donors

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This survey was conducted in a group of patients referred for angiography of the abdominal aorta and kidney vascularization. The purpose of the examination was to assess the number and site of origin of the renal arteries and their entrance to kidneys. Patients and Methods: A total of 516 patients were enrolled in this study, most of them being donors and the remaining other type of patients. Angiography in these patients was done through the common femoral and brachial arteries and in case of intervening obstructions, translumbar catheterization was performed. In most cases DSA is employed. Results: Among the 516 patients in 162 cases number of the renal arteries was more than one for a single or both kidneys. Altogether in 31.4% of the patients one accessory artery was present for right kidney and the same was true for 59 patients for left kidney. Two accessory arteries reached for right kidney in 41 persons and in 15 persons for left kidney. In 21 patients multiple accessory arterial branches were found penetrating one or both kidneys. These arteries numbered about 5 and 6 and had very slender branches. Conclusion: In evaluated cases multiple branches entered the kidneys, the branches emerging from above or below the main renal artery and centering to one or both kidneys. These arteries can also emerge from other abdominal main branches, even thoracic aorta or iliac arteries. It is better to mark them to urologist surgeons as a main map for surgery, especially in donors.