Bilateral supernumerary renal arteries in a single cadaver

Introduction A single renal artery to each kidney is present in approximately 70% of individuals. Renal arteries take origin from the aorta bilaterally just below the superior mesenteric artery. The arteries vary in their level of origin and obliquity. Near the renal hilum each artery divides into an anterior and a posterior division which divide into segmental arteries supplying the renal vascular segments [1]. Embryologically these arteries are the lateral splanchnic branches of abdominal aorta [2]. One or two accessory renal arteries are present in 20-30% individuals [1]. They frequently arise, (especially on the left side) usually from the aorta, above or below the main artery (the former is slightly more often), enter the kidney above or below the renal hilum; if below, the vessel passes anterior to the ureter and may cause hydronephrosis by obstructing the ureter. On the right side, such artery passes usually anterior to the inferior vena cava. These arteries are regarded as the persistent embryonic lateral splanchnic arteries [1]. The objective of the case report is to bring awareness about the variations in the blood supply of the kidney for any surgical or diagnostic intervention. Case Report During routine dissection for undergraduate students, in the department of Anatomy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, bilateral variations were detected in the renal arteries of a 65-year-old male cadaver in December, 2014. The structures concerned were dissected properly for minute observation and relevant photographs were taken. On the left side, there were two renal arteries reaching the hilum of the left kidney from the abdominal aorta. There was one accessory renal artery to reach the lower pole of the right kidney. It arose from the abdominal aorta and passed in front of the ureter (Figure 1). On the right side, there were again two renal arteries arose from the abdominal aorta. They passed in front of the inferior vena cava to reach the right kidney. The upper one divided into three segmental branches. The upper two branches reached the upper pole of the right kidney and the lower one entered the hilum. The inferior renal artery divided into two segmental branches to enter the hilum. So, there were five arteries to enter the right kidney (Figure 2). Subhasis CHAKRABORTY [1] Saktipada PRADHAN [1] Mithu PAUL [1] Sudeshna MAJUMDAR [2]