Report of the frequency of normal renal vascular variants in 62 patients by use of abdominal CT angiography

In most individuals, each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery and a vein, however multiple renal arteries and veins is not uncommon. In comparison to conventional angiography computed tomographic (CT) angiography is a new and less aggressive measure used for detection of normal renal vascular anatomy and diagnosis of vascular variants. To evaluate the frequency of normal vascular variants in 62 patients (124 Kidneys), underwent abdominal CT Angiography (Aortography). During a period of one year, abdominal CT angiography was performed in 62 patients, 48 male and 14 female between 7-74 years of age (Mean 25.68 years). The angiographic images were studied after being reconstituted by use of a computer. There was no complication and all patients tolerated the procedure without any reaction and/or discomfort. One forth of the patients felt some warmness during contrast injection. In 98 (79%) kidneys only one renal artery, in 20 kidneys (16.1%) two arteries, in 4 kidneys three arteries, and in two kidneys four arteries were detected. In 109 kidneys (88%) only one vein and in 15 kidneys (12%) two renal veins were detected and circum-aortic renal vein or renal collar was found only in one case. In this study the frequency of multiple renal vascular variants was less common than those of other studies. By use of spiral CT angiography and reconstitution of images by a computer, renal arteries and veins can be investigated in a short time avoiding invasive sequela or any complication for the patients.