Analysis of supernumerary renal arteries by CT and MR method

ABSTRACT Introduction:  The importance of studying anatomical variation is also indicated by the fact that more than 10% of clinical vices occur as a result of ignoring and neglecting the existence of these. The study of anatomical variation therefore has a significant place in medical education, both due to the way in which they occur and the incidence of occurrence, and the practical application of acquired knowledge in clinical practice. Aim: The aim of the paper is to determine the frequency of occurrence of supernumerary renal arteries as well as their position in relation to the kidney. Material and Methods:  The analysis covered 209 patients who for any therapeutic reasons were operated at the Urology Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. In the preoperative period, within the diagnostic procedure, all patients were analyzed using three-dimensional radiological methods (CT and MR). Results: Of the total number of supernumerary renal arteries found, the most commonly registered lower polar arteries, followed by hilar arteries, and the rarest upper polar arteries. A larger number of supernumerary renal arteries were registered with the CT method (35 versus 29). Correlation test found that the location of supernumerary renal arteries, with the use of both diagnostic methods, does not depend on gender of the subjects because it is p > 0.05. Conclusion:  Thorough knowledge of the renal artery structure is essential to ensure that all surgical procedures are performed safely and efficiently, providing us with modern radiological techniques.The greatest contribution to morphological and topographic research of the living organism is the use of modern three-dimensional radiological methods, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR). Keywords: Supernumerary renal arteries, CT, MR