RENAL ARTERY VARIATIONS DETECTED BY CTA

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence and morphological characteristics of renal artery variations using computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdominal aorta. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 CTA images of patients over 18 years of age. The scans were performed using a multidetector CT scanner (MDCT Siemens, 128-slice), and the images were analyzed with Vitrea® Advanced Visualization Software. Evaluated parameters included the origin, number and diameter of the renal arteries, presence of accessory arteries and the suprarenal and infrarenal segments of the aorta. Normal bilateral renal vascularization was observed in 91.9% of cases. Variations were detected in 5.41% (2 cases): one with unilateral and one with bilateral accessory renal arteries. No statistically significant association was found between sex and the presence of variations (p=0.51). Despite the limited sample size, renal artery variations were identified. Accessory renal arteries are a common anatomical variation with significant implications in clinical and surgical practice. Accurate preoperative identification using CTA is essential for optimal surgical planning, especially in urology and vascular surgery.