Morphometric study of renal artery and its variations in level of origin

Abstract

Background : Knowledge of morphometry and variations of renal artery is of utmost surgical importance. Forcible retraction of vascular pedicle can cause rupture of blood vessel and can lead to fatal hemorrhage. So, the exact measurement of renal artery and its variation in level of origin is important for renal transplantation surgeries, stent surgeries and in cases of renal vascular hypertension. Aim: To determine the length and diameter of main renal artery and to find out the variation in the level of origin. Materials and methods: In this study, CT images of kidneys of 100 males of above 20 years of age were collected from scan center in Chennai. The length of renal artery was measured from the level of origin to the hilum and diameter was measured near the ostium and hilum of kidney. Also the variation in the level of origin of renal artery was observed. Measurements were compared between right and left side. Results: Mean length of main right renal artery was 3.73 ± 1,28cms and diameter near ostium and hilum was 0.63 ± 0.12cm and 0.55 ± 0.12cm respectively. Mean length of main left renal artery was 2.84 ± 1.18cm and diameter near ostium and hilum was 0.65 ± 0.98cm and 0.54 ± 0.11cm respectively. Majority of renal arteries arise at the level of LI on both side. ConclusionrThe most common level of origin of renal artery is at the level of LI vertebra on both sides. The average length of right renal artery is greater than left renal artery and the diameter of left renal artery is greater than right renal artery.

Keywords

• hilum
• ostium
• ct angiography
• renal transplantation
• vascular hypertension