Asymmetric Supernumeric Renal Arteries: A Case Study

Blood supply to each kidney is typically provided by renal arteries that arise from the aorta. However, bilateral variation in this vascular pattern occurs in approximately 15% of cases, ranging from the presence of multiple‐branched renal arteries, supernumeric renal arteries, and vessels of various origin along the aortic axis. Here, we report a case of kidneys with asymmetric and supernumeric renal arteries identified in a donor following cadaveric dissection. Both kidneys were retroperitoneal and measured 12.3 cm (L) and 12.7 cm (R) in length, respectively. Hilar structures were not projected medially, where the renal pelvis, veins, and most of the arteries contributed to an anteriorly faced hilum. The blood supply to the left kidney consisted of three renal arteries with various origins. The superior left renal artery originated from the abdominal aorta and supplied the superior pole. The middle left renal artery originated from the iliac junction, just anterior to the median sacral artery, and supplied the middle portion of the kidney. The inferior left renal artery originated from the common illiac artery, and coursed posteriorly to the kidney before entering the hilum anteriorly (from the lateral aspect of the organ), to supply the inferior pole. On the contralateral side, the vasculature to the right kidney consisted of only two renal arteries, both originating from the abdominal aorta. The superior renal artery branched laterally from the aorta (at the same level as the left superior renal) and supplied the superior pole. Arterial supply to the inferior pole originated inferior to the inferior mesenteric artery. Together, these observations describe asymmetric supernumeric renal arteries and reflects, to some extent, the chronology for ascent of the kidney during embryological development. Support or Funding Information no funding disclosures