Examining the Clinical Significance and Embryologic Development of Two Unique Cases of Renal Anatomy

Abstract

Two unique presentations of renal anatomy were observed during routine cadaveric dissection. The first case presented with an ectopic malrotated left kidney supplied by supernumerary renal arteries. This kidney was drained by a circumaortic renal vein and an inferior polar vein. In addition to the vascular variations, this kidney had three extrarenal calyces and an anteriorly placed hilum. The second case presented with bilateral variations in renal anatomy. These variations included a left circumaortic renal vein, bilateral supernumerary arteries and veins, and a right testicular artery arising from an artery supplying the right kidney. These cases give insights into the high variability of renal anatomy, the clinical importance of atypical renal anatomy, and the embryological development of the renal system.