Case Report of Unilateral Variations in Testicular and Renal Vessels: A Morphological and Clinical Study

Abstract

Introduction: some variations have already been found in the origin, number and path of the testicular arteries, without consensus about their rates. Among the alternative origins, the accessory renal arteries are the ones described with the greatest recurrence. In this article we report a case of unilateral origin of the testicular artery from an inferior renal polar artery. We also analyze the prevalence and clinical/surgical importance of this kind of variation. Material and Methods: during routine dissection, vascular anatomical variations were found close to the right kidney of a male adult's corpse. Such findings led to an investigation of the prevalence and clinical/surgical significance of this type of variation. Results: the right kidney was supplied by three arteries. One entered the renal hilum and the other two were inferior polar arteries, anterior and posterior to the ureter. The anterior vessel arched over the testicular vein and originated the testicular artery. In contrast, there were not any vascular variations on the left side. Conclusion: the knowledge of variations such as the one detailed above is important for the planning of surgeries and the correct diagnosis of affections regarding the renal hilum and the testicles.