Cadaveric Study of Accessory Double Hilar Arteries: A Variation of Renal Artery

Abstract

The growing number of renal transplants and other uro-radiological procedures has increased the importance of having a thorough understanding of the variations in the renal arteries. Accessory renal arteries (ARAs) are kind of renal artery variations estimated to be present in 15% to 25% of the population. The renal arteries are the sole vascular supply to the kidneys, and they originate from the lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta, usually at the level of L1/L2 intervertebral disk, just below the superior mesenteric artery. Variations in renal arteries can be seen in their origin, number, and course. The most common is the presence of additional vessels (accessory arteries) that arise from abdominal aorta. During our routine dissection, accessory renal arteries were found on both the side supplying to both kidneys. And also, we observed that these accessory renal arteries were entering kidneys through the hilum region so called accessory double hilar arteries. Knowledge of renal artery variations during renal transplantation, partial nephrectomy, laparoscopic surgery and angiographic interpretation by radiologists is very important for urologists.