Bilateral variations in renal vasculature

Introduction The renal arteries arise from abdominal aorta below the origin of superior mesenteric artery, on each side. Near the hilum of the kidney, each renal artery divides into anterior and posterior branch, which in turn divides into number of segmental arteries supplying the different renal segments. The presence of unusual branching patterns of the renal arteries is not uncommon. In 70% of cases there is a single renal artery supplying each kidney [1]. Anatomical variations and congenital anomalies of the renal veins have been well described. Numerous reports have appeared in the literature describing variations in renal vascular anatomy. Knowledge of the variations of renal vascular anatomy has importance in exploration and treatment of renal trauma, renal transplantation, renovascular hypertension, renal artery embolization, angioplasty or vascular reconstruction for congenital and acquired lesions, surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm and conservative or radical renal surgery [2]. The objective of the case report and review of literature is to bring awareness to clinicians about the variations in the blood supply of the kidney especially those who are performing invasive procedures and vascular surgeries on kidney.